Recipe: Blackened Salmon Grain Bowl
The elements of this meal-in-a-bowl come together quickly and make for a fast, Plate Method meal that is perfect for a weeknight. This dish is as delicious as it is versatile. Loaded with healthy fats from salmon and avocado, as well as protein from salmon and quinoa, this recipe will please palates and satisfy stomachs. While it’s certainly tasty as-is, be sure to check out the swaps section if you are looking for a meal idea without taking an extra trip to the store. We hope the various alternatives make this a flexible framework for a Plate Method meal any day of the week.
Blacked Salmon Grain Bowl
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 C dried quinoa
- 4 skinless salmon filets (roughly 4-5 oz each)
- 1-2 Tbsp Cajun or blackened seasoning
- 1 Tbsp oil or cooking spray
- 5 oz bag mixed greens
- 1 C salsa, divided
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 2 Tbsp of your favorite salad dressing (optional)
- 1 Tbsp sour cream (optional)
Directions:
- Cook quinoa according to the box/bag directions. Usually, add 1 C quinoa and 2 C water to a saucepan and bring to a boil on the stove over high heat. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir/fluff the quinoa with a fork and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- When quinoa is almost finished cooking, sprinkle the top of each salmon fillet with blackened or Cajun seasoning.
- Place oil in a large sauté pan (or spray with cooking spray). Heat for 2 minutes over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Place salmon fillets in sauté pan and cook 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat.
- Portion quinoa equally into 4 serving bowls. Top each with equal portions of mixed greens, salmon, salsa, and sliced avocado. Add dressing or sour cream, if desired, and enjoy!
Swaps:
- For the quinoa: rice or cauliflower rice
- For the salmon: shrimp, cod, chicken, steak, black beans, or tempeh
- For the mixed greens: lettuce, spinach, kale, or frozen broccoli
- For the salsa: pico de gallo, chopped/canned tomatoes, or diced onion
- For the avocado: sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt