Grilled Salmon and Quinoa Stack with Avocado Cream
This Grilled Salmon and Quinoa Stack is a fresh and flavorful dish packed with Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. The creamy avocado sauce adds a delicious, healthy twist while keeping it light and nutritious!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Grilled Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Quinoa Base:
1 cup cooked quinoa (any variety: white, red, or tri-color)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cumin (optional, for a warm Mediterranean spice)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
For the Avocado Cream:
1 ripe avocado
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon water (to thin if needed)
Instructions
Prepare the Quinoa
Cook quinoa according to package instructions (or use pre-cooked quinoa for convenience).
Fluff with a fork and stir in olive oil, lemon zest, salt, cumin (if using), and chopped parsley or basil. Set aside.
Grill the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brush this marinade over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Grill on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side or until salmon is flaky and cooked through (internal temp: 145°F / 63°C).
Alternative: You can also cook it in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Make the Avocado Cream
Blend or mash together avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt until smooth.
Add a little water to thin it out, if needed.
Assemble the Stack
Use a small food ring mold (or simply layer by hand) to stack quinoa at the bottom, grilled salmon in the middle, and a dollop of avocado cream on top.
Garnish with extra parsley, lemon slices, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips & Mediterranean Serving Ideas
Side Dish Ideas:
Serve with roasted Mediterranean veggies, a Greek salad, or hummus with pita.
Make it spicy:
Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the avocado cream.
For meal prep:
Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Use other grains:
Swap quinoa for bulgur, faro, or whole wheat couscous for variety.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 22g
Sodium: 480mg
This Grilled Salmon and Quinoa Stack with Avocado Cream is fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flavors!