Salmon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

Salmon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

This light and refreshing salmon quinoa salad with lemon caper vinaigrette is packed with protein and heart-healthy superfoods that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more!

Summers in Sardinia are hot, and consequently the oven rarely gets turned on. Fresh salads are an integral part to summer fare, but since they are prepared so often they can get so predictable and boring. This salmon quinoa salad is definitely more interesting than your average salad. It was a no-brainer to prepare for lunch today since I had all of the ingredients on hand, including the green beans which were freshly picked from our garden this morning! The delicious combination of avocado, salmon, green beans, lemons, and capers actually surpassed my expectations. The lemon caper vinaigrette really makes this salad pop, while the quinoa makes it hearty enough to be considered a meal all on its own. On that note, I’m over lettuce-based salads at the moment. Eating lighter fare for the summer does come with the territory, but sometimes you just need a heartier, richer, and more flavourful salad to satisfy your hunger. And this salad is it! 

Salmon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!

Salmon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

2017-08-01
: Serves 4
: 10 min
: 15 min

This light and refreshing salmon quinoa salad with lemon caper vinaigrette is packed with protein and heart-healthy superfoods that will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more! Summers in Sardinia are hot, and consequently the oven rarely gets turned on. Fresh salads are an integral part to summer fare, but since they are prepared so […]

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Salmon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette
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Ingredients
    4 cups pre-cooked quinoa
  • 2 large salmon steaks or filets
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 3 scallions, finely minced
  • 1 large ripe avocado, cubed
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbs. capers, drained and finely minced
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a medium frying pan on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Raise the heat to medium-high. Place the salmon, skin-side up in the pan. Cook until golden brown on 1 side, about 4-5 minutes then turn the fish over with a spatula, and cook on the other side for 3-4 minutes or until it feels firm to the touch and the skin is crisp if desired. Set aside until cool to the touch. Once cooled, remove the skins and bones and transfer to a large serving bowl.

In the meantime, bring salted water to a boil in a medium pot then add the green beans (stems removed) and boil for 4-5 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and set aside to cool. Once cooled, cut into 2 inch pieces then add to the large serving bowl with the salmon.

Combine the quinoa, scallions, and avocado with the salmon and green beans and toss to combine. In a separate small bowl, whisk the olive oil with the lemon, capers, salt, and pepper. Taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Add the vinaigrette to the salad and toss until combined. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Consume within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.

17 thoughts on “Salmon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caper Vinaigrette”

  • I can just imagine how fresh the salmon would be in Alaska…right from the source!

  • This does look like a great salad. Between the salmon and the quinoa I am sure that it would be quite hardy and definitely stick with you longer. Although right now with the summer I always seem to like the lighter lettuce fare when it comes to salads. But this is definitely something I would try.

    • It’s definitely filling! I agree that a lettuce-based salad is usually fresher, but they just don’t satisfy me most of the time!

  • So these are basically all of my favorite things on one plate! What a perfect summer meal… can’t wait to try it over the weekend. Thinking this and glass of white wine on the back patio will make for a perfect Saturday evening!

  • Wow this looks really good and it would be a great way to introduce my family to some of these ingredients that have not been a big part of our diets. We have never really gotten into eating salmon but I know how important it can be to your health. I love the idea of eating and have introduced small portions here and there but this looks like a great way to get a health amount in!

    • I sometimes find when I combine my kid’s favourite ingredients with new ones, or ones they don’t particularly enjoy, they’re more inclined to try them!

  • Kiwi 8 years ago

    This looks so healthy. I love all of the ingredients. This would make a great dinner meal.

  • I’m tired of lettuce-based salads, too. You can only eat them for so long before it is an absolute dread. I will never grow tired of avocado or salmon, though.

  • I love Quinoa so much! Ive had it as a salad before but not like this. I have some in the pantry now and think I will have to give this a try. I am always looking for different ways to use my Quinoa!

  • Michelle 8 years ago

    You just made my dream meal. I am literally going to sleep dreaming about this until I get the ingredients to make it.

  • alisonrost 8 years ago

    I love meals like this in the summer. Light, healthy, colorful, easy, and delicious. Quinoa is a staple in the fridge and I’m sure my husband would grill us up some salmon. The lemon caper dressing sounds like a wonderful way to top it all off! x

  • I am really enjoying cooking with Quinoa. I would love to try this recipe. Perfect salad for summertime dinners. Nice and light and super easy to make. I am pretty sure my kids would like it too.

  • I love quinoa and I love salmon – win win. This looks FANTASTIC!! And seems easy enough. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try, thank you. Pinned for future reference!

    • That’s what I thought when I was preparing this salad…salmon and avocado are delicious together. Throw in a tangy dressing and you’re all set!

  • mm.. I was just reading about quinoa used for breakfast and I have to say I want it for all three meals of the day! I love salmon. I always loved it but since I lived out west and since I visited Alaska, it’s my favorite fish. I’m always looking for ways to use up our leftovers and this takes the cake! Avocado is perfection.

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