High Protein Salmon Dinner Bowl
Highlighted under: Clean Eating Creations
I love whipping up a hearty dish like this High Protein Salmon Dinner Bowl when I'm craving something nutritious and satisfying. Packed with flavorful ingredients, this bowl combines perfectly cooked salmon with vibrant vegetables and a zingy sauce. It's a meal that not only provides a great protein boost but also looks gorgeous on the plate. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal with friends.
When I first made this High Protein Salmon Dinner Bowl, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple yet delicious it turned out. I experimented with adding a quick marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, which really elevated the salmon's flavor. With just a few minutes under the broiler, the salmon became perfectly flaky and infused with that tangy zest.
This bowl also allows for versatility with the veggies. I love using a mix of broccoli and bell peppers, but feel free to swap in whatever you have on hand. The colorful presentation makes it a feast for both the eyes and the palate!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly nutritious and filling
- Delicious combination of flavors and textures
- Quick and easy to prepare for any night
Perfecting the Salmon
To achieve perfectly cooked salmon, it's important to keep an eye on the broiling time. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, cooking may vary slightly. Aim for 8-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. A broiler cooks from above, so placement in the oven is key; position the salmon about 6 inches from the heat for even cooking.
Consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness; salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This not only ensures safe eating but also guarantees that your salmon is moist and tender. If you find your salmon is browning too quickly, you can lower the rack temporarily until it's fully cooked.
Vegetable Varieties and Benefits
The mix of broccoli and bell pepper not only provides a burst of color but also important nutrients. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, while bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and vitamin A. If you want to swap out vegetables, asparagus or spinach would make excellent alternatives. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed; asparagus will take about 5-6 minutes, and spinach will wilt in about 2-3 minutes.
Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or snap peas for extra crunch and flavor. If you're short on time or want to simplify cooking, you can use a frozen vegetable blend. Just steam them according to the package instructions for a quick and nutritious addition to your bowl.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This High Protein Salmon Dinner Bowl is ideal for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time by cooking the salmon and quinoa in bulk. Store your components separately in airtight containers; the salmon will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, while the quinoa and veggies can keep for about 4-5 days. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep everything moist.
To keep your bowl from becoming soggy, consider adding the dressing right before serving. Alternatively, you might want to prepare the sauce and store it in a separate container, which further enhances its flavor as it sits. It can also be an opportunity to customize your meal with fresh herbs or additional spices just before eating.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bowl
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat and Marinate
Preheat your broiler. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the salmon fillets in this marinade and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In a steaming pot, steam the broccoli florets and sliced bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Broil the Salmon
Place the marinated salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Bowl
In each bowl, layer the cooked quinoa, steamed vegetables, and salmon fillet. Drizzle the dressing over the top and serve.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize your bowl by adding other favorite veggies or grains like brown rice or farro for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon bowl can easily be a standout dish for a gathering or a simple weeknight dinner. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to elevate the dish visually and add an extra layer of flavor. Lemon wedges are also a nice touch, allowing everyone to add a fresh burst of acidity to their liking.
If you’re looking for extra sides, a light salad with mixed greens, a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, or some roasted sweet potatoes can complement the meal beautifully without overshadowing the flavors of the salmon and veggies.
Scaling the Recipe
If you're cooking for a crowd, scaling up the recipe is straightforward. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. When broiling multiple fillets, ensure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to promote consistent cooking. You may need to adjust the timing slightly, checking for doneness as you increase the quantity.
When making larger quantities of the dressing, keep the ratios the same. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices in the dressing to suit your taste preferences; adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh herbs can give it a delightful twist.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the salmon with another protein?
Yes, you can use grilled chicken, tofu, or even canned tuna as a substitute.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice, it's gluten-free.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it first before marinating and cooking.
High Protein Salmon Dinner Bowl
I love whipping up a hearty dish like this High Protein Salmon Dinner Bowl when I'm craving something nutritious and satisfying. Packed with flavorful ingredients, this bowl combines perfectly cooked salmon with vibrant vegetables and a zingy sauce. It's a meal that not only provides a great protein boost but also looks gorgeous on the plate. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal with friends.
Created by: Jenna Rowland
Recipe Type: Clean Eating Creations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Salmon Bowl
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your broiler. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the salmon fillets in this marinade and set aside.
In a steaming pot, steam the broccoli florets and sliced bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Place the marinated salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
In each bowl, layer the cooked quinoa, steamed vegetables, and salmon fillet. Drizzle the dressing over the top and serve.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize your bowl by adding other favorite veggies or grains like brown rice or farro for added texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 38g