Perfect choice! 🥗🐟 The Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl is light, fresh, protein-packed, and bursting with zesty flavors. Here’s a detailed step-by-step recipe for you:

🍋🌿 Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off as preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, chopped)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Quinoa Base:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (for extra flavor, or use water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Bowl Toppings:

• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach (or mixed greens)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

For the Lemon Herb Dressing (Optional, but delicious!):

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
2. In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add rinsed quinoa and toast for 1 minute.
3. Pour in 2 cups broth (or water) and ½ tsp salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

1. In a small bowl, mix:
   • Olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub this mixture over the salmon fillets.
3. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while quinoa cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

• Pan-Seared Method:
  1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
  3. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes.
  4. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
• Oven-Baked Method (healthier option):
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Herb Dressing

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
2. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide cooked quinoa between 2 bowls.
2. Top each with:
   • Salmon fillet
   • Sliced avocado
   • Fresh spinach or greens
   • Cherry tomatoes
   • Red onion slices
   • Sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro
3. Drizzle with lemon herb dressing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Pair with a chilled glass of lemon water or iced green tea.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or almonds on top.

✨ Result: A hearty yet refreshing bowl with fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and zesty lemon-herb salmon — perfect for lunch or dinner!

Would you like me to also give you a meal-prep version of this recipe (so you can make 4–5 bowls at once for the week)?