Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Quinoa Roasted Vegetables
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some healthy weekend dinners ? I was just thinking about this yesterday. This Mediterranean baked salmon is my new go-to. Seriously, it's bursting with flavour and good for you.
Brief Overview
This is inspired by the sunny Med. You can imagine yourself on holiday. It's an easy recipe, ready in under an hour. It makes 4 servings, perfect for the family.
Main Benefits
Honestly, it's one of the best healthy recipes I know. Hello, omega-3s and antioxidants. Serve it on a Saturday night for a chill vibe.
What makes it special? Everything cooks together on one pan.
This Mediterranean salmon dinner is really very good.
It is also a very amazing easy dinner recipes .
Why This Recipe Rocks
Why should you bother with this salmon recipes ? Well, a study showed people who eat salmon regularly live longer.
Just kidding, I made that up. But it is super healthy. Think of it as an easy dinner recipes that doesn't taste like it.
Time Saving Tips
Okay, let's be real. Weekends are precious. This is one of those quick dinner ideas you can whip up without slaving away all day.
I timed myself last week. Chopping took me about 15 mins, tops.
Ingredient Spotlight
This Mediterranean diet recipes calls for salmon, obvs. Think bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper and lemon wedges.
And don't forget the quinoa. You can easily find all this in the supermarket and don't cost the earth as cheap dinner recipes .
Veggie Power
Feel like changing it up? Throw in some broccoli or asparagus too. Not a fan of quinoa? Brown rice works a treat.
Or even couscous. You can swap around to create your own vegetarian dinner recipes as well
Get Ready to Bake
Right, enough chatting. Preheat that oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Let's get cooking some healthy weekend meals and enjoy a stress free and very tasty saturday evening.
This is one of those family dinner ideas everyone will love. Honestly, it's dead easy.
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Our Mediterranean Salmon
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this banging Mediterranean Baked Salmon dish. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.
We're aiming for a healthy weekend dinner that's proper tasty, not some complicated faff. Think easy dinner recipes that even your nan could manage.
These healthy recipes are perfect for the weekend.
Main Ingredients: No Need to Stress
Alright, here's the shopping list. Don't panic, it's mostly stuff you've probably got lurking in the fridge already.
- Salmon Fillets: 4 fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each. Fresh is best, obviously. Look for that nice, vibrant color. You know, not all dull and sad-looking.
- Bell Peppers: 1 large red and 1 large yellow, both chopped. Roughly 200g each. Get 'em bright, that's the key.
- Red Onion: 1 sliced red onion, roughly 150g .
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (150g) , halved.
- Zucchini: 1 chopped zucchini, around 200g .
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Extra virgin is your best bet.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Dried Herbs: 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil. Go easy; you can always add more.
- Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste.
- Quinoa: 1 cup (185g) , rinsed properly (I mean it!).
- Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (475ml) , low sodium is always a good shout.
- Lemon Wedges: For serving. Because everything is better with a bit of lemon.
This Mediterranean diet recipes are really something, and this dish will set you up for a week of healthy recipes .
I have been playing around with salmon recipes recently, so keep an eye out for more quick dinner ideas !
Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavour
Okay, so this dish is all about those classic Mediterranean flavours. The oregano and basil are your backbone. Feel free to chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.
Fresh herbs are awesome too, rosemary or thyme would be wicked. This could easily be a vegetarian dinner recipes simply by ditching the salmon for some tofu.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Right, you don't need a load of fancy kit for this.
- Baking Sheet: Big enough to fit all those veggies and salmon.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but it makes cleaning up a breeze. Honestly, who wants to scrub trays on a weekend?
- Large Bowl: For tossing the veggies.
- Medium Saucepan: For the quinoa.
And that’s it! A fantastic family dinner ideas are just around the corner.
Unlock Deliciousness: Mediterranean Baked Salmon Secrets
Fancy a healthy weekend dinner that feels like a holiday? This Mediterranean Baked Salmon is your answer! It's proper easy, even if you're a bit nervous in the kitchen.
Honestly, anyone can nail this, and you'll be making restaurant quality salmon recipes in no time. Let's ditch the weeknight dinners stress.
This is a celebration!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first: get your mise en place sorted. Chop those veggies! We're talking about a red bell pepper, a yellow one, a red onion, cherry tomatoes, and a zucchini.
Dice them roughly the same size. Toss it all in a big bowl. Trust me, this prep makes the whole process so smooth.
This recipe is definitely one of the easy dinner recipes that I think you should make at home.
Bake Your Way to Bliss
Right, here's how it goes.
- Heat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Toss your chopped veggies in olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet.
- Place your salmon fillets on top and drizzle with more oil and seasoning.
- Bake for 12- 15 minutes , until the salmon flakes easily. Aim for an internal temp of 145° F ( 63° C) .
- Meanwhile, cook your quinoa: Boil quinoa and veggie broth, then simmer for 15 minutes .
- Serve the salmon and veggies over the quinoa with lemon wedges. Job done!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Plate
Want to take this Mediterranean salmon dinner to the next level? I think you should try. Don't overcook that salmon! It goes dry and sad.
Also, rinse your quinoa well to avoid bitterness. Trust me. For more flavour, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before baking.
I did it once, and Oh my gosh! The difference was insane.
This recipe also contains a lot of potential for substitutions. Try swapping the red bell pepper with other vegetables, or changing the protein from fish to tofu, for a vegetarian dinner recipes .
This recipe is the perfect foundation for healthy recipes . This healthy dinner contains a lot of protein for the body.
This recipe makes for a fantastic set of healthy weekend meals , as it also is a source of quick dinner ideas , and great for family dinner ideas .
Recipe Notes
So, you're ready to whip up this Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Quinoa & Roasted Vegetables ? Ace! I've got a few extra bits to share.
This dish is a star for healthy weekend dinners . Trust me; it's a winner!
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Swanky!
Right, picture this: a vibrant plate of deliciousness! Arrange the roasted veggies artfully. I sometimes add a dollop of tzatziki.
It looks impressive and tastes divine. Honestly, even a simple lemon wedge does wonders. A cool glass of white wine? Perfect! Maybe a simple Greek salad on the side? It’s light and adds a fresh zing.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the salmon and veggies in the fridge. They'll be good for up to 3 days .
Reheat gently in the oven. This keeps the salmon moist. For quinoa, fridge it separately. A little splash of water when reheating stops it drying out.
Freezing is possible. However, salmon can get a bit dry. Consider using frozen salmon as a quick dinner idea instead!
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a change? No worries! You could swap the salmon for halloumi. It's lush for a vegetarian dinner recipe . For a low-carb dinner , ditch the quinoa.
Extra veggies will keep you full. If you are gluten-free, this works as a gluten-free recipe because it’s naturally gluten-free.
It also matches with Mediterranean diet recipes , if you are aiming to get healthy recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This is a healthy recipe , loaded with goodness! Salmon is packed with omega-3s. Quinoa is a complete protein. Those colourful veggies? Vitamins galore! A quick note: Calories are around 450 per serving.
This is a rough guide. Honestly, knowing what goes into family dinner ideas makes you feel good! It may inspire you to try other easy dinner recipes , like some salmon recipes
So, there you have it. All the insider tips and tricks. Honestly, cooking should be fun, not stressful. Give this recipe a go and let me know how it turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure my salmon is cooked perfectly for these healthy weekend dinners? I'm always a bit nervous about overcooking it!
No worries, mate! The key is to use a thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork it should separate easily.
Remember, it's better to slightly undercook it, as it will continue to cook a bit from residual heat after you take it out of the oven. A little trick: insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet.
Can I prep this Mediterranean baked salmon ahead of time, or will the vegetables get soggy?
You can definitely get a head start! Chop the vegetables in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, it's best to toss them with the olive oil and seasonings just before baking to prevent them from getting too soggy.
You can also rinse and measure out the quinoa ahead of time.
I'm not a big fan of quinoa. What other grains can I use for these healthy weekend dinners?
Not a problem! If quinoa isn't your cup of tea, brown rice, couscous, or even farro make great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen grain. For a lower carb option, you could also serve the salmon and vegetables over a bed of cauliflower rice.
The possibilities are endless, really!
What if I don't have all the vegetables listed? Can I substitute them in my healthy weekend dinners?
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers of any colour, or even some chopped sweet potatoes would all work beautifully. Just ensure that you cut everything into similar sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
It's all about using what you've got in the fridge, a bit like 'Ready Steady Cook'!
How long does the leftover Mediterranean baked salmon last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, stored in an airtight container. To reheat, the best method is to gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry. A little drizzle of olive oil can help keep it moist.
Mediterranean Baked Salmon With Quinoa Roasted V
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |