Another Easy Pescatarian Dinner Recipe on My Culinary Journey

Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that is not just healthy but also quick to prepare. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or when you have friends and family over.

Introducing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Salmon

One of my favorite ways to enjoy a healthy pescatarian dinner is with a Mediterranean twist. This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad paired with grilled salmon is rich in nutrients and bursting with vibrant flavors. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs create a delightful experience for your taste buds! Studies show that diets rich in fish, like salmon, can reduce the risk of heart disease. What better reason to indulge!

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious meal:

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups water

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

  
  

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Approximately 1 cup of dry quinoa yields about 3 cups of cooked quinoa, making it perfect for meal prep. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

While the quinoa is cooking, season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the salmon for about 6-8 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets, so keep an eye on them!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then gently toss everything together. This salad is not only colorful but also provides a variety of nutrients. For example, cherry tomatoes are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, while cucumbers add hydration and crunch. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Place a generous portion of the quinoa salad on a plate and top it with a grilled salmon fillet. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature.

A close-up view of colorful Mediterranean quinoa salad topped with grilled salmon.

Elevate Your Dinner Game

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Salmon is a simple yet satisfying pescatarian recipe. It's packed with fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and protein-rich fish. In fact, one serving contains about 25 grams of protein and significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health. As I continue my pescatarian journey, I find that discovering new recipes keeps my meals interesting and inspires creativity in the kitchen.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it just as much as I do! Remember that cooking is about experimenting, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences. Happy cooking!