Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa has become one of my most requested dishes, and for good reason. Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef now living in the U.S., and this recipe is close to my heart. Back in my early chef days, I worked in Italian kitchens where wheat pasta and rustic pane ruled every plate. When I discovered I was gluten-intolerant, my cooking had to change. I wanted vibrant meals that still carried the soul of the food I grew up with. Creating this roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa became a breakthrough: a dish that feels comforting, tastes bold, and supports a healthier way of eating. Today, I share it with families, athletes, and anyone looking for a wholesome meal that’s both easy and deeply satisfying.
Table of Contents
What is Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa?
A Healthy Trio on Your Plate
At its core, roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa is about balance. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient linked to heart health and reduced inflammation. Broccoli brings fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K, making it a powerhouse vegetable. Quinoa, often called an ancient grain, is naturally gluten-free and provides complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. Together, these ingredients create a meal that’s satisfying yet light, nourishing without being boring. Unlike heavy pasta or rice dishes, this trio leaves you energized and comfortable after eating.
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Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa is a vibrant, gluten-free dinner that’s bold, comforting, and weeknight-easy—crispy-edged salmon, caramelized broccoli, and fluffy quinoa with bright lemon-garlic flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz/170g each), preferably skin-on
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 5–6 cups)
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or low-sodium broth
- 2–3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest + 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional spice: ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes
- Optional finish: chopped parsley and a dollop of lemon-garlic yogurt sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Cook quinoa: Combine quinoa and water (or broth) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until tender. Rest 5 minutes, then fluff.
- Prep broccoli: Toss florets with 1–1½ tbsp olive oil, half the garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread on one side of the sheet pan.
- Season salmon: Pat dry. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, remaining garlic, lemon zest, ½ tsp salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika/chili. Place skin-side down on the other side of the pan. Drizzle salmon and broccoli with 1–2 tbsp lemon juice.
- Roast 15–18 minutes, until salmon flakes easily (internal temp 125–130°F / 52–54°C) and broccoli edges are caramelized.
- Finish: Toss quinoa with remaining lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra salt/pepper to taste. Plate quinoa, top with salmon and broccoli, and sprinkle with parsley. Add yogurt sauce if desired.
- Meal prep: Divide into containers. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat quinoa with a splash of water or broth.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan—space helps the broccoli roast instead of steam. For a Mediterranean vibe, add oregano and paprika; for a spicy twist, brush salmon with chili-garlic sauce before roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Why This Dish Stands Out
What makes roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa different from other dinner bowls? It’s versatile enough to take on countless flavors. Some cooks go bold with chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat. Others brighten it with yogurt dressing, honey, or fresh herbs for a Mediterranean feel. You can even serve it cold as a quinoa salad or warm from the oven for a cozy weeknight dinner. Unlike trendy “bowl” recipes that fade quickly, this dish has staying power. It’s rooted in whole foods, easy preparation, and flavors that naturally complement one another. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting friends, it adapts beautifully a healthy dish that feels indulgent.
How to Make Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa is simple, yet the results taste gourmet. Begin with four salmon fillets, ideally fresh and skin-on for a crisp finish. Rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water, then cook it with two cups of water until tender and fluffy. While the quinoa cooks, prepare a sheet pan with broccoli florets. Toss them with olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Place the salmon alongside the broccoli, season with garlic, lemon juice, and either honey for sweetness or chili garlic sauce for a spicy twist. Roast everything in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes. The salmon comes out tender, the broccoli slightly caramelized, and the quinoa ready to complete the meal.
This dish works beautifully with variations. For a Mediterranean feel, season with oregano, paprika, and fresh parsley. For an Asian-inspired flavor, brush the salmon with soy sauce and sesame oil before roasting. No matter which version you choose, roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa stays versatile and consistently delicious.
Tips for Perfect Flavor
Cooking salmon is all about precision. Aim for an internal temperature of 125–130°F for moist, flaky fish. Always preheat your oven for even results, and don’t overcrowd the sheet pan so the broccoli roasts instead of steaming. If you’re planning to meal prep, divide the salmon, broccoli, and quinoa into containers for the week. They’ll last up to four days in the fridge and reheat easily with a splash of broth or water over the quinoa to bring back its texture.
To elevate the flavors, finish with a quick drizzle of yogurt-garlic sauce or toss the quinoa with lemon zest and fresh herbs. These little details transform a simple weeknight dinner into something vibrant and nourishing.
Nutrition highlights of roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa:
- Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health.
- Broccoli adds antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
- Quinoa delivers plant-based protein and essential amino acids, making the meal naturally gluten-free and balanced.
Who Benefits from Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa
A Dish for Every Lifestyle
Roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa isn’t just another dinner option it’s a recipe that fits nearly every lifestyle. Busy parents love it because it’s quick, filling, and doesn’t require complicated steps. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts turn to it for a clean source of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats that fuel recovery and energy. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, quinoa makes this meal completely safe without compromising taste or tradition. For those who care about long-term health, this dish works as an easy way to include heart-protective salmon, fiber-rich broccoli, and nourishing whole grains into the weekly routine.
It’s also perfect for weeknight dinners when time is short but you still want to sit down to something wholesome. The combination of roasted salmon, broccoli, and quinoa is proof that fast food at home can still be real food colorful, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Nutritional Boost You Can Trust
The reason roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa helps so many people is its natural nutritional synergy. Salmon provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health and brain function. Broccoli contributes antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which aid digestion and immunity. Quinoa ties it together with plant-based protein and minerals like magnesium and iron, keeping you energized throughout the day.
Together, these ingredients form a complete meal: protein for muscle repair, complex carbohydrates for steady energy, and micronutrients that keep the body strong. Unlike heavier pasta or takeout meals, this combination leaves you full without feeling sluggish. It’s a meal that works just as well for a post-workout dinner as it does for a family gathering.
For anyone seeking a balance between flavor and health, roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa checks every box. It’s practical, adaptable, and built on ingredients you can trust which is why it’s become a go-to recipe in my kitchen and for so many home cooks looking to eat better without compromise.
How Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa Works in Daily Life
Easy Meal Prep and Storage
One of the biggest advantages of roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa is how seamlessly it fits into real life. If you’re someone who relies on meal prep, this dish is a dream. Simply roast the salmon and broccoli while quinoa cooks on the stove, then portion everything into containers. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have several balanced meals ready for the week. Stored in the fridge, the dish stays fresh for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil to bring the quinoa back to life, while the salmon and broccoli maintain their flavor and texture.
It’s also freezer-friendly. Cook extra quinoa and broccoli, then freeze them in small bags. When you’re pressed for time, all you need to roast is the salmon, and dinner is served. This practicality makes roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa not just a recipe, but a reliable system for healthier eating every week.
E-E-A-T in Every Bite
Beyond convenience, this recipe embodies what Google values under E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. My own journey from Tuscan kitchens to gluten-free living gives me firsthand experience with building nourishing meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. As a trained chef, I bring expertise in pairing ingredients so the dish is both balanced and enjoyable. The proven health benefits of salmon, broccoli, and quinoa provide authoritativeness nutrition science supports their role in a healthy diet. Finally, trustworthiness comes from using whole, fresh ingredients that align with clean eating principles.
Every time you prepare roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa, you’re not just cooking dinner you’re reinforcing a habit of health, balance, and intentional eating. That’s why this recipe resonates with so many different people: it’s not a temporary fix, but a lasting solution that fits daily life.
Conclusion
Roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa isn’t just a recipe it’s a lifestyle choice rooted in balance, flavor, and nourishment. With tender salmon, caramelized broccoli, and fluffy quinoa, it brings together the best of health and taste in one simple meal. Whether you’re a busy parent, an athlete, or someone who just wants a wholesome dinner after work, this dish adapts to your needs. It’s easy to prepare, flexible in flavor, and nourishing enough to enjoy week after week. Try it once, and you’ll see why roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa has earned a permanent place at my table and why it should earn one at yours too.
Is salmon with broccoli and quinoa healthy?
Yes, roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa is one of the healthiest meals you can prepare. Salmon provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, broccoli delivers fiber and antioxidants, and quinoa offers plant-based protein and essential minerals. Together, they create a balanced plate that supports heart health, energy, and digestion.
Can I meal prep roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa?
Absolutely. This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Simply roast the salmon and broccoli while quinoa cooks, then portion into containers. The dish stores well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats without losing flavor. For longer storage, freeze the quinoa and broccoli, then roast fresh salmon when you’re ready.
What sauces go well with this dish?
The beauty of roasted salmon with broccoli and quinoa is its versatility. For a creamy touch, try a lemon-garlic yogurt dressing. For bold flavors, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or soy sauce with sesame oil add a punch. Even a drizzle of honey mustard or fresh herb vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
Can I replace quinoa with rice or couscous?
Yes, you can swap quinoa with brown rice, wild rice, or even couscous if you prefer. However, quinoa has the advantage of being gluten-free and higher in protein. If you’re cooking for dietary needs or want a more nutrient-dense option, quinoa is the best choice.