Smoky Salmon and Avocado Bowl with Green Salad

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

Rich smoked salmon atop creamy avocado and mixed greens, finished with a lemony vinaigrette for a nutrient-dense meal that supports healthy protein intake. This American-inspired healthy bowl recipe (high protein), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillet, quinoa, avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 6 oz salmon dry, season with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Pan-sear in 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until flaky.
  2. Step 2: Cook 1/2 cup quinoa in 1 cup water for 15 minutes until tender. Fluff with fork and let cool.
  3. Step 3: Slice 1/2 avocado and halve 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes. Toss mixed greens with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt to make vinaigrette.
  4. Step 4: Arrange cooled quinoa on plates, top with salmon, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with green salad dressing and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Salmon and Avocado Bowl with Green Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Smoky Salmon and Avocado Bowl with Green Salad?

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 Smoky Salmon and Avocado Bowl with Green Salad?

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 Smoky Salmon and Avocado Bowl with Green Salad 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 Smoky Salmon and Avocado Bowl with Green Salad high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.