Spiced Citrus Salmon with Herb Quinoa
A vibrant dish featuring flaky salmon glazed with orange zest and honey, served over fluffy quinoa infused with fresh herbs. This international-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs pcs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium, zested and juiced orange, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pcs (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 medium, zested and juiced orange
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Place salmon fillets on the sheet and brush with the glaze. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 2: In a pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup quinoa, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup chopped parsley. Cook for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped dill and 1 tbsp orange juice. Fold into cooked quinoa.
- Step 4: Serve salmon over quinoa, garnished with remaining parsley and dill.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Citrus Salmon with Herb Quinoa take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Spiced Citrus 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 honey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Citrus 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 Spiced Citrus 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.
Is Spiced Citrus Salmon with 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Perfect general recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
