There’s something truly special about healthy dinners, and I just can’t get enough of them! They not only nourish our bodies but also bring a splash of color and flavor to our plates. My journey into cooking healthy recipes dinner started when I realized that eating well doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. I mean, who says healthy can’t be delicious? I love experimenting with fresh ingredients, like vibrant veggies and lean proteins, to create meals that are both satisfying and good for you. This grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables is one of my go-to dinners. It’s quick to whip up, packed with nutrients, and oh-so-tasty. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on healthy dinners too!
Ingredients List
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) – Fresh and skin-on for optimal flavor.
- 1 cup quinoa – Rinse under cold water to remove bitterness.
- 2 cups vegetable broth – Use low-sodium for better control over seasoning.
- 1 cup broccoli florets – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced – Thinly sliced to ensure tenderness when steamed.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin is best for its rich flavor.
- 1 lemon, juiced – Freshly squeezed for the brightest taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill) – Adds a pop of color and flavor.
How to Prepare Instructions
Cooking the Quinoa
First things first, let’s get that quinoa going! Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer—this step is crucial to wash away any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, and once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. You want the quinoa to be fluffy and tender, so keep an eye on it. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes with the lid on—this helps to steam it just a bit more for perfect texture!
Grilling the Salmon
While the quinoa is cooking, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show—those salmon fillets! Season them generously with salt, pepper, and the juice of 1 lemon to really enhance their flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Grill them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully cooked through and have those gorgeous grill marks. To check for doneness, just flake the salmon with a fork; it should be opaque and easily separate. When it’s done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a moment while you finish up.
Steaming the Vegetables
Now, onto the veggies! In a steamer basket, toss in 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 cup of sliced carrots. Steam them over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant in color. You want to maintain that lovely crunch, so don’t overdo it! If you want to keep them extra bright, you can plunge them into an ice bath right after steaming to stop the cooking process. This little trick ensures they look just as fresh as they taste!
Plating the Dish
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Fluff the quinoa with a fork and plate it as your base. Gently place the grilled salmon on top, and arrange your beautifully steamed vegetables on the side. For that finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or dill over everything. Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but it also brings a fresh flavor that elevates the whole dish. Trust me, when you serve this up, it’ll look as amazing as it tastes!
Nutritional Information
This grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients! Each serving is estimated to contain around 450 calories, with 20 grams of fat and an impressive 30 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 40 grams of carbohydrates, alongside 6 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. With just 2 grams of sugar and only 120 milligrams of sodium, this meal is a fantastic choice for a healthy dinner. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with omega-3s from salmon and fiber from quinoa and veggies.
- Balanced meal: A delightful combination of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
- Delicious flavors: The bright lemon and fresh herbs elevate the dish to a whole new level.
- Versatile substitutions: Easily swap salmon for chicken or tofu and use any seasonal veggies you have on hand.
Tips for Success
To really nail this dish, here are some of my favorite tips! If you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute the salmon with chicken or tofu for a different protein option—just adjust the cooking times accordingly. Don’t hesitate to play around with the seasoning; a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder can add an exciting twist! Also, consider using seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for variety and freshness. Remember, the key is to keep everything vibrant and flavorful, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, consider serving this grilled salmon with a refreshing light salad, perhaps a simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. Whole grain bread or a slice of crusty sourdough would also make a lovely accompaniment, perfect for mopping up any leftover juices. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the flavors of the salmon and lemon. These additions will elevate your dining experience and make your healthy dinner even more satisfying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? No problem! To store your grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables, allow everything to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. This way, the flavors will stay fresh and vibrant. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave for too long—just enough to get it warm and cozy without drying it out!
Print
Healthy Recipes Dinner: 5 Simple Ways to Nourish You
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy dinner recipe featuring grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- While quinoa cooks, season salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Steam broccoli and carrots until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and plate it.
- Top quinoa with grilled salmon and arrange steamed vegetables on the side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- For variations, substitute salmon with chicken or tofu.
- Try different vegetables based on seasonal availability.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling and steaming
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: healthy recipes dinner
