The Ultimate Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad Recipe for Fresh Meals

Mediterranean cuisine brings this vibrant greek salmon quinoa salad dancing onto your plate with incredible freshness.

Colorful ingredients burst through each delightful bite, promising pure nutrition and flavor.

Salmon transforms simple quinoa into a protein-packed meal that feels both light and satisfying.

Crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and zesty herbs create a symphony of textures that complement the fish perfectly.

Sharp red onions add a subtle kick while olives contribute an authentic Mediterranean accent.

Quick and easy preparation means you can enjoy this wholesome dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Dive into this recipe and experience a delicious journey through Greek culinary traditions that will leave you craving more.

Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad That Refreshes and Nourishes

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with omega-3 rich salmon, protein-dense quinoa, and fresh vegetables, this salad delivers a knockout punch of essential nutrients in one delicious meal.
• Master Mediterranean Flavors: Combines classic Greek ingredients like tangy feta, briny olives, and zesty lemon for an authentic taste journey that transports your taste buds straight to the Greek coastline.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet-style meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients based on preferences or what's in your refrigerator, giving you flexibility to create a personalized dining experience every single time.

Ingredients for Fresh Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad

• Salmon: A rich, omega-3 packed fish that provides a delicious and healthy protein base for the salad.

• Quinoa: A nutritious, protein-rich grain that serves as the hearty foundation of the salad.

• Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that add freshness and vibrant colors to the dish.
• Olives, Feta Cheese: Salty and tangy ingredients that enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Lemon Juice: Classic seasonings that brighten and balance the flavors of the salmon and quinoa salad.

How to Toss Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Season and Bake Salmon

Massage salmon fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the salmon cook for 12-15 minutes until it easily flakes with a fork.

Step 3: Cook Quinoa

Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitter coating. Pour quinoa into a saucepan with water, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer gently until water disappears and quinoa turns fluffy and translucent.

Step 4: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Crisp cucumber
• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• Zesty red onion
• Briny olives
• Crumbly feta cheese

Chop each ingredient into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Assemble Salad

Combine the cooked quinoa with your chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and a splash of olive oil.

Toss everything gently to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Add Salmon and Serve

Break the baked salmon into tender chunks.

Scatter these over the quinoa salad. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Helpful Tips for Flavorful Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad

• Choose wild-caught salmon for richer omega-3 content and more sustainable seafood selection.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better flavor absorption.
• Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitter coating and enhance its nutty taste.
• Let quinoa cool slightly before mixing with vegetables to prevent wilting and maintain fresh texture.
• Prepare salad components separately and assemble just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and prevent soggy consistency.

Creative Variations on Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad to Try

• Mediterranean Tuna Switch: Replace salmon with canned or fresh tuna for a protein-packed alternative that maintains the Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Bowl: Swap salmon with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based version that keeps the salad's nutritional balance.
• Gluten-Free Herb Variation: Add fresh dill or oregano to enhance the Mediterranean taste while ensuring the recipe remains naturally gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute quinoa with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate option that still delivers robust Mediterranean flavors.

Pairings That Complement Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad Beautifully

• Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the salmon's richness and cuts through the salad's tangy feta and lemon notes.
• Serve tzatziki with warm pita bread as a starter, creating a Mediterranean-inspired meal that echoes the salad's Greek flavors and provides a creamy contrast.
• Prepare a refreshing mint-infused iced tea or sparkling water with fresh mint leaves to balance the salad's savory ingredients and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Offer a slice of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to add texture and soak up the delicious lemon and olive oil dressing from the salad.

How to Keep Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping salmon and salad separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Do not freeze this salad, as quinoa and fresh vegetables will lose crispness and become watery when thawed.
• Reheating Salmon: Gently warm salmon in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, or in oven at 275°F for 5-7 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Room Temperature Serving: Let chilled salad sit for 10-15 minutes before eating to allow flavors to blend and ingredients to soften slightly.

FAQs

• Is quinoa healthy?

Quinoa is a superfood packed with complete protein, essential amino acids, fiber, and minerals. It’s gluten-free and contains more protein than most grains, making it an excellent nutritional choice for balanced meals.

• Can I use different types of fish?

Absolutely! While salmon works perfectly, you can substitute with other fish like trout, cod, or halibut. Just ensure the fish is fresh and cooked to the same flaky texture.

• How do I know when the salmon is properly cooked?

The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Overcooked salmon becomes dry, so watch it carefully during baking.

Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors blend beautifully in this Greek salmon quinoa salad. Fresh ingredients and zesty dressing create a nutritious meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 fillets salmon (about 6 oz/170 g each)
• 1 cup quinoa
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for salmon preparation.
2. Coat salmon fillets with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until fish easily flakes with a fork.
3. Thoroughly rinse quinoa and combine with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
4. Create the salad base by combining cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
5. Enhance the salad’s flavor profile by drizzling fresh lemon juice and remaining olive oil over the ingredients. Gently toss to ensure even distribution of dressing.
6. Break the roasted salmon into rustic, bite-sized pieces and delicately fold into the prepared quinoa salad mixture.
7. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors at their peak freshness.

Notes

• Boost salmon’s flavor by marinating in herbs like dill or oregano for 30 minutes before baking to enhance Mediterranean taste profile.
• Ensure quinoa remains fluffy by letting it rest for 5 minutes after cooking and fluffing with a fork to prevent clumping.
• For gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if using pre-packaged feta or olives.
• Customize protein options by substituting salmon with grilled chicken or tofu for varied dietary preferences while maintaining the Greek-inspired flavor palette.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 735 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg