Lemon-Herb Grilled Salmon with Quinoa

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

A light, flavorful dish featuring perfectly grilled salmon glazed with a zesty lemon-herb sauce, served over fluffy quinoa. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, lemon, fresh dill 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 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, and juice of 2 lemons. Season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Brush marinade over 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and let sit for 15 minutes. Place on grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until flaky and golden.
  3. Step 3: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water and 1 cup quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is absorbed and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Serve salmon with quinoa, drizzled with remaining marinade. Garnish with additional lemon slices and herbs.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Lemon-Herb Grilled 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 Lemon-Herb Grilled 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 Lemon-Herb Grilled 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Herb Grilled Salmon with 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes