Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Quinoa

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Quinoa is a fresh and vibrant dish that's perfect for any season. It's a delightful combination of perfectly grilled salmon and fragrant quinoa infused with lemon and dill, bringing a zesty twist to your dinner table.

Ingredients for Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Quinoa

Salmon fillets are the star of the dish, offering a rich and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon and dill. Olive oil is used to keep the salmon moist and to help it achieve a nice char on the grill. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon.

Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that serves as a hearty base for the dish. It's light but filling and absorbs the flavors of the lemon and dill beautifully. Lemon zest and juice bring brightness and a tangy kick, cutting through the richness of the salmon. Fresh dill adds a herbal note that complements both the quinoa and salmon. Lastly, a touch more olive oil is used to coat the quinoa, giving it a silky texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well.
  • Use a fish spatula to turn the salmon to prevent it from falling apart.
  • Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to avoid any bitterness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed asparagus. A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay makes the perfect accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Quinoa Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While that's heating up, grab your salmon fillets. Brush each one with olive oil on both sides, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will let the natural flavors of the fish shine through.

Now, place the salmon on the grill, skin side down. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. You're looking for the fish to be opaque and to flake easily with a fork. While the salmon is grilling, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, and drain it well.

In a medium saucepan, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Once done, remove the quinoa from the heat, and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

Now, it's time to add the flavor to your quinoa. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until the quinoa is evenly coated with the lemon and dill.

To serve, create a bed of lemon-dill quinoa on each plate, and top it with a beautifully grilled salmon fillet. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Light and healthy, but still satisfying.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Place salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Rinse quinoa under cold water and drain.
5. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
6. Remove quinoa from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, and salt.
7. Serve grilled salmon over a bed of lemon-dill quinoa.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!