Harissa-Glazed Salmon with Quinoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy salmon fillets glazed with smoky harissa and lemon, served over fluffy quinoa and roasted vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 65 minutes pairs Salmon fillets, Harissa paste, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss bell peppers, zucchini, garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and charred.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix harissa paste, lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey. Brush this glaze over salmon fillets, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Step 3: In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until glaze is golden and fish is flaky.
  5. Step 5: Fluff quinoa and serve salmon atop, garnished with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of remaining glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Glazed Salmon with Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 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 Harissa-Glazed Salmon with Quinoa?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Glazed Salmon with 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 Harissa-Glazed Salmon with Quinoa 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 Harissa-Glazed Salmon with Quinoa 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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