Fresh Lab Citrus-Scented Salmon with Herbed Quinoa
Pan-seared salmon fillets with a zesty citrus glaze, served atop fluffy quinoa infused with fresh herbs for a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal. This pacific northwest-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz) salmon fillets, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 tsp dill
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 tsp dill until combined.
- Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high; place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip salmon, pour citrus mixture over top, and cook for 5 minutes more until salmon is opaque and flakes easily; remove from heat.
- Step 4: While salmon cooks, bring 1 cup quinoa and 1 cup chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed; fluff with a fork and stir in 1 tbsp fresh parsley and 1 tsp lemon zest until fragrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fresh Lab Citrus-Scented Salmon with Herbed Quinoa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Fresh Lab Citrus-Scented Salmon with Herbed Quinoa?
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) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Lab Citrus-Scented Salmon with Herbed Quinoa?
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 Fresh Lab Citrus-Scented Salmon with Herbed Quinoa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
What goes well with Fresh Lab Citrus-Scented Salmon with Herbed Quinoa?
Pacific Northwest seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
