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Bright & Easy Citrus Herb Baked Salmon with Quinoa

Close-up of citrus salmon with quinoa and dill.

Sun-Kissed Citrus & Herb Baked Salmon with Quinoa Bliss

Hey friends! You know, some days you just crave something that feels… well, *bright*. Like a burst of sunshine on a plate. That's exactly what this recipe is for me. This isn't some fussy, intricate dish. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out, and it's naturally gluten-free, which is a huge plus in our household. I actually started developing this recipe after a particularly gloomy week, and let me tell you, the vibrant flavors pulled me right out of the funk. Salmon, citrus, fresh herbs, and a fluffy bed of quinoa? It's pure happiness, I swear! Plus, it's quick enough for a weeknight, and impressive enough for a little weekend gathering. Ready to brighten things up a bit? Let's get cooking!

What You'll Need (The Ingredients)

For the Salmon:

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off, your preference!
  • 1 large orange, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

For The Quinoa:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Here's How We Make a Little Magic (Instructions)

  1. Get Everything Ready: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you don't have parchment paper, you can very lightly grease the pan. This step, while simple, saves a headache later – trust me!
  2. Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa very well in a fine mesh strainer, run it under cold water until the water runs clear, this helps remove the bitter taste. Meanwhile, in a medium sized saucepan or pot heat your olive oil over medium heat and add the quinoa to the pot. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring it with the olive oil. Now add your vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked fluff with a fork then cover and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help them get a nice sear. If not patting it dry, the juices might steam instead of cook. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, dill, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. This herby mix is about to become your salmon's best friend.
  4. Dress the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Smear the herb mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, making sure it's nicely coated. Now, artfully arrange the orange and lemon slices over the salmon, slightly overlapping each other. This not only looks gorgeous, but it also infuses the salmon with amazing citrusy flavors.
  5. Bake it till Perfect: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The time may vary a bit depending on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them!
  6. Serve and enjoy: Spoon the cooked quinoa onto a plate and top with one of the baked salmon fillets. Drizzle pan juices from baking sheet over the top, add a fresh sprig of dill or parsley, if you want to be a little extra, and dig in!

Some Little Secrets and Tips

  • Citrus Swap: No oranges or lemons around? Feel free to use lime or even grapefruit slices for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
  • Herb Garden Remix: Don't be shy about using different herbs! Thyme, basil, or even a little bit of rosemary would be fantastic substitutes or additions.
  • Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.
  • Quinoa Adventures: Feel free to get creative with the quinoa and add in veggies like diced bell pepper or chopped spinach when cooking it for more nutritional value.
  • Skin On Salmon: Keeping the skin on your salmon during the bake can make the salmon more tender and juicer, and then remove the skin before eating if it isn't your favorite.
  • Get Creative With Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad. Think peppery arugula with a simple vinaigrette.
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Recipe Card

Sun-Kissed Citrus & Herb Baked Salmon with Quinoa Bliss

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 Salmon Fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 Large Orange, sliced
  • 1 Lemon, sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp Dried Oregano
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups Veggie Broth, low sod
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Rinse quinoa well. Heat olive oil in a medium pot, add the quinoa and saute for 2 minutes. Now add veggie broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce heat to low and let it simmer until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Pat salmon dry, then in a small bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, dill, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Place salmon on a lined baking sheet, coat with herb mixture, arrange citrus slices on top.
  • Bake for 12-15 mins, until cooked.
  • Serve the salmon with the quinoa and drizzle pan juices over the top, enjoy!

Some Things I Love! (Product Recommendations)

  • A good quality baking sheet is a must for even cooking.
  • When using a herb chopper is great for quickly chopping your fresh herbs.
  • For rinsing the quinoa a fine mesh strainer is perfect to get it nice and clean.

And there you have it, sunshine on a plate! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It's truly a staple in our house, and I can't wait for you to try it. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! Happy cooking!

Close-up of citrus salmon with quinoa and dill.

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