Quick & Zesty Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Recipe

Crafting a delectable honey harissa salmon quinoa bowl promises an explosion of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this colorful dish.

Salmon, marinated in a spicy-sweet harissa glaze, brings bold excitement to your plate.

Nutty quinoa provides a perfect canvas for the succulent fish.

Crisp vegetables add refreshing crunch and balance to each satisfying bite.

Bright herbs and zesty citrus notes elevate the entire culinary experience.

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Bursting With Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Harissa transforms ordinary salmon into a flavor-packed adventure that'll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: This recipe proves you can create restaurant-quality dishes right in your kitchen with minimal culinary skills and just a few simple ingredients.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Plate: Quinoa and salmon combine to deliver a protein-rich meal loaded with essential nutrients, perfect for health-conscious food lovers.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients or adjust spice levels, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and taste sensibilities.

Ingredients Found in Honey Harissa Salmon Bowls

• Quinoa: A protein-packed, gluten-free grain that serves as a nutritious foundation for the salmon bowl.

• Salmon Filets: A rich, omega-3 fatty fish that provides a delicious and healthy centerpiece to the dish.

• Cabbage, Scallions, Fresh Herbs: A crisp and refreshing mix that adds texture and brightness to the bowl.

• Honey, Harissa, Cumin: A combination of sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors that enhance the salmon's natural taste.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, Yogurt: Ingredients that add tanginess, richness, and balance to the overall dish.

How to Make Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls

Step 1: Whip Up the Vibrant Slaw

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss together shredded cabbage, chopped scallions, freshly torn herbs, zesty lemon juice, silky olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Let the slaw marinate and mingle for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and develop while you prep the salmon.

Step 2: Spice and Caress the Salmon

Gently pat the salmon filets until completely dry. Sprinkle a generous layer of salt across the surface.

Drizzle golden honey and rich olive oil over the fish. Dust with fiery harissa and warm cumin.

Use your fingertips to massage the spices into every inch of the salmon, ensuring a perfect flavor coating.

Step 3: Broil to Perfection

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and carefully place the seasoned salmon on top.

Position your oven rack approximately 6 inches beneath the broiler. Crank the broiler to high heat.

Slide the salmon into the oven and broil for 6-8 minutes. Keep a watchful eye to prevent burning, especially for thicker filets.

The salmon should emerge beautifully caramelized and perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Create Your Delicious Bowl

Spread a bed of fluffy quinoa in each serving bowl.

Gently place the broiled salmon on top. Crown with the tangy, refreshing slaw.

Add a generous dollop of creamy yogurt. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of this flavor-packed meal.

Tips to Perfect Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls

• Let the slaw marinate for 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and prevent watery texture.
• Watch salmon closely under the broiler to avoid burning, checking every minute after the 5-minute mark.
• Reduce or increase harissa amount based on personal heat tolerance, tasting as you go.
• Replace salmon with chicken, tofu, or white fish for dietary variety while maintaining similar seasoning.
• Add extra herbs like mint or parsley for fresh flavor and additional nutrients.

Flavor Variations for Honey Harissa Salmon Bowls

• Spicy Mango Salmon Bowl: Replace harissa with mango salsa for a tropical, sweet-heat flavor profile. Fresh mango chunks and jalapeño create a vibrant topping.
• Mediterranean Salmon Quinoa: Swap harissa for za'atar spice blend. Add cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives to transform the bowl into a Greek-inspired meal.
• Teriyaki Salmon Bowl: Substitute honey harissa with teriyaki glaze. Incorporate pickled ginger, edamame, and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired version.
• Pesto Salmon Quinoa: Trade harissa for homemade basil pesto. Mix in roasted cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts for an Italian-style Mediterranean bowl.

Suggested Pairings With Honey Harissa Salmon Bowls

• Spice Up with Moroccan Red Wine: Choose a bold Moroccan red like Syrah or Grenache to complement the harissa's spicy warmth and salmon's rich flavor profile.
• Refresh with Citrus Mocktail: Create a zesty lemon-mint mocktail that cuts through the dish's richness, echoing the bright herbs and lemon in the slaw while providing a cooling contrast.
• Match with Herbal Tzatziki Dip: Whip up a quick yogurt-based tzatziki with dill and cucumber that amplifies the existing yogurt topping, adding extra freshness and creamy texture to balance the spicy salmon.

Proper Storage for Honey Harissa Salmon Bowls

Store leftover salmon and slaw in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Gently warm salmon in the microwave using 30-second intervals at 50% power to prevent drying out. Alternatively, place salmon in a covered oven-safe dish and warm at 275°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Drain any excess liquid and add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving to restore crispness. Mix gently to redistribute flavors and prevent wilting.

Consume refrigerated salmon within 2 days for optimal taste and texture. Avoid freezing as it can compromise the delicate fish’s texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

• What is harissa, and why is it used in this recipe?

Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste made from red peppers, spices, and herbs. It adds a bold, smoky heat that complements the salmon’s richness and provides a complex flavor profile to the dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by ensuring quinoa and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It’s naturally dairy-free if you use a plant-based yogurt alternative.

• How can I tell if the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet honey harissa salmon quinoa bowls blend Mediterranean and North African flavors for a quick, nutritious meal. Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings create a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 (6 ounces/170 grams) salmon filets
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded (or coleslaw mix)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon harissa spice blend (not paste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1/2 cup mixed soft herbs (cilantro, dill, parsley, and/or basil)
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty slaw by combining shredded cabbage, sliced scallions, and chopped fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt. Allow the mixture to marinate for 15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and develop.
2. Prepare salmon filets by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels. Generously coat the fish with a blend of honey, olive oil, harissa spice, and ground cumin. Massage the seasonings into the salmon, ensuring an even, flavorful coverage.
3. Position oven rack 6 inches beneath the broiler and preheat to high heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and carefully place seasoned salmon on the surface. Broil for 6-8 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent charring. Salmon is ready when it reaches a flaky, opaque texture and internal temperature indicates complete cooking.
4. Construct the quinoa bowls by layering cooked quinoa as a base. Gently place the broiled harissa-infused salmon on top of the grains. Crown the dish with the prepared herb-infused slaw and add a generous dollop of creamy yogurt. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Adjust harissa intensity by selecting mild or spicy varieties to match personal heat tolerance.
• Quickly massage herbs and lemon into slaw for maximum flavor absorption and tender texture.
• Ensure salmon is patted completely dry before seasoning to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Replace yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for vegan adaptation without compromising creamy element.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 596 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg