Lemon-Garlic Roasted Salmon with Herb Quinoa

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

Oven-roasted salmon fillets with a bright lemon-garlic marinade paired with fluffy quinoa tossed with fresh herbs for a light, nutritious meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs salmon fillets, lemon juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Place 4 salmon fillets (5 oz each) on a lined baking sheet and brush evenly with the lemon-garlic marinade. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Roast salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and edges begin to turn opaque.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Remove quinoa from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint for a bright herbal flavor.
  5. Step 5: Serve each salmon fillet atop a bed of herb quinoa, spooning any pan juices over the top for extra moisture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Roasted Salmon with Herb Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Salmon with Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Salmon with Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Roasted Salmon with Herb 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Roasted Salmon with Herb Quinoa?

Mediterranean 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.

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