Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Herb Quinoa Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a tangy citrus sauce, served atop a light quinoa salad with fresh herbs and vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  2. Step 2: Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook 3 minutes more until cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, stir together 1/3 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooled quinoa with 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for the herb quinoa salad.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the citrus glaze over the cooked salmon fillets and serve atop the herb quinoa salad immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Herb Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Herb Quinoa Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Herb Quinoa Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Herb Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Citrus-Glazed Salmon with Herb Quinoa Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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