Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Herb Quinoa

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

Tender pan-seared salmon fillets served atop light quinoa infused with fresh citrus and herbs for a bright, healthy meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, rinsed quinoa for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp and golden; flip and cook an additional 3 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine cooked quinoa with 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir gently to combine and season with additional salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Plate the citrus-herb quinoa and top with pan-seared salmon fillets. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-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.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Herb 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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