Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Quinoa
A hormone-balancing, skin-clearing meal rich in omega-3s to address post-Whole30 breakouts and support skin health. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30) ready in about 29 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 380 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
- 12 oz salmon fillets
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the salmon and rub in 2 tbsp fresh dill.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil with 2 minced garlic cloves and drizzle over the salmon.
- Step 3: Bake for 12-14 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, checking at 12 minutes—notice the edges turning golden and the dill releasing its aroma.
- Step 4: While salmon cooks, rinse 1/2 cup quinoa under cold water until water runs clear, then cook in 1 cup water for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Quinoa take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 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 Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb 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 salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Lemon-Dill 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 Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb 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.
Is Mediterranean Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Quinoa whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
