Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
When it comes to summer grilling, nothing beats the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Citrus Herb Grilled Salmon. This dish is a perfect blend of tangy citrus and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful marinade that enhances the natural richness of the salmon. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. The combination of citrus juices and fresh herbs in this recipe not only adds incredible flavor but also provides a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Served with a side of quinoa salad and roasted vegetables, this Citrus Herb Grilled Salmon makes for a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of summer to your table.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Quinoa Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring that each fillet is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more intense flavor.
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley to the quinoa.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion wedges on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred around the edges.
- Grill the Salmon:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade and place the fillets on the grill, skin-side down.
- Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Assemble the Plates:
- Divide the quinoa salad among four plates.
- Top each plate with a grilled salmon fillet.
- Arrange the roasted vegetables alongside the salmon and quinoa salad.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
This Citrus Herb Grilled Salmon is a delightful and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The tangy citrus and fresh herbs create a delicious marinade that complements the rich flavor of the salmon. Paired with a refreshing quinoa salad and colorful roasted vegetables, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a taste of summer with this vibrant and satisfying salmon recipe.