Baked Salmon with Lemon, Dill and Quinoa

Overhead shot of Baked Salmon with Lemon
Heart-HealthyHigh ProteinPescatarianLow-FODMAP
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time20 min
Total Time30 min
Servings2

Salmon does most of the heavy lifting here on its own, so this dinner barely needs a supporting cast. A hot oven, fresh lemon, and dill are enough to turn a fillet into something restaurant-worthy in under half an hour, and the omega-3 fats you get from wild salmon are some of the best-studied nutrients for lowering triglycerides and supporting healthy blood vessels. Quinoa on the side adds plant protein and a mineral boost without the sodium hit that usually comes with a starchy side dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 150g each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon, half sliced and half juiced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Rinse quinoa and simmer in water for 15 minutes until fluffy; fold in spinach at the end to wilt.
  2. Pat salmon dry, place on a lined baking tray, and rub with olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
  3. Top each fillet with lemon slices and dill. Bake for 12-14 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Serve salmon over the spinach quinoa, spooning any pan juices on top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 430
Total fat 18g
Total carbohydrates 32g
Dietary fiber 4g
Protein 34g
Sodium 140mg

Why This Is Good for Your Gut

Salmon's omega-3 fatty acids help lower inflammatory markers linked to gut permeability and support the fat-soluble absorption of nutrients from the accompanying vegetables. Quinoa contributes a modest amount of prebiotic fiber, and keeping added salt to a pinch means this dish stays gentle on blood pressure while still tasting bright and finished.

A dinner this simple deserves to be on repeat, especially on the nights you don't have energy for anything complicated. For more salmon dinners, try our Turmeric Salmon Traybake with Greens or Baked Cod with Herb Crust and Roasted Leeks.

This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

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