Protein Salads

Salmon Quinoa Salad

This salmon quinoa salad is a nourishing, protein-rich bowl built for real meals — flaky roasted salmon over fluffy quinoa with cucumber, dill, and a lemon dressing. It is loaded with omega-3s and stays satisfying for hours, whether you eat it warm the night you make it or cold from the fridge the next day. The quinoa and dressing hold up beautifully, making this an ideal meal-prep lunch.

Salmon Quinoa Salad
15 minPrep time
35 minTotal time
4Servings
460Kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 red onion, sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa

    Rinse the quinoa and simmer in 2 cups salted water for 15 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.

  2. Roast the salmon

    Rub the salmon with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes until it flakes easily.

  3. Whisk the dressing

    Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

  4. Assemble

    Toss the quinoa, spinach, cucumber, onion, and dill with the dressing. Top with the salmon, broken into large flakes, and serve.

Finish it with a homemade green goddess dressing, or pair it with our Egg Protein Salad for a bigger spread. New to building bowls from scratch? Start with our Best Salad Ingredients for Fresh, Healthy Meals guide.

The MakeSalads secretPull the salmon just as it turns opaque and flakes — carryover heat finishes it. Overcooked salmon goes dry and chalky in a cold salad.

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