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Healthy Grilled Salmon Quinoa Bowl with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

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A nourishing and flavorful bowl featuring flaky grilled salmon, fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado cilantro dressing. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup quinoa (uncooked; rinsed well to remove bitterness)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Water to thin, as needed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (extra cilantro or parsley)
  • Optional: toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds for crunch

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness.
  2. Combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  5. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  6. Grill salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily but remains moist.
  7. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  8. Blend until smooth, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired creamy but pourable consistency is reached.
  9. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred carrots, and thinly slice red onion. Toss lightly in a bowl.
  10. Divide cooked quinoa evenly among four bowls.
  11. Top each bowl with a grilled salmon fillet, mixed veggies, and a generous drizzle of avocado cilantro dressing.
  12. Garnish with fresh herbs and optional toasted seeds or nuts.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness. Oil grill or pan to prevent sticking. Avoid overcooking salmon to keep it moist. Blend dressing until silky smooth, adding water gradually. Prep veggies last to keep them crisp. Dressing can be made vegan by using plant-based yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, quinoa bowl, avocado cilantro dressing, healthy dinner, quick meal, nutritious bowl, easy recipe

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/healthy-grilled-salmon-quinoa-bowl-with-avocado-cilantro-dressing-recipe/