Delicious Quinoa Pilaf with Butternut Squash Baked Salmon Recipe

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Craving a baked salmon recipe that's bursting with the warmth of autumn? Look no further than this vibrant canvas of flavors! Imagine flaky salmon perched atop a fluffy quinoa pilaf studded with tender butternut squash, all drizzled with a honey-herb glaze. Forget boring baked salmon recipes, this dish is a culinary harvest celebration on your plate!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • 4 salmon fillets (6-8oz each)

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 01

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let's set the stage for this delectable baked salmon recipes!
  • Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. The aroma will fill your kitchen with the promise of a delicious recipe to come!


STEP 02

  • While the squash roasts, let's build the base of this baked salmon recipe: the quinoa pilaf!
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.


STEP 03

  • Now, add the rinsed quinoa to the pan with the onion and garlic.
  • Toast the quinoa for a minute, stirring constantly.
  • This releases its nutty flavor and prepares it for the broth.


STEP 04

  • Pour the hot vegetable broth into the pan with the quinoa, onion, and garlic.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and fluffy.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.


STEP 05

  • While the quinoa cooks, prepare the honey-herb glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.


STEP 06

  • Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Drizzle each salmon fillet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden brown.
  • Remember, we're not aiming for cooked-through yet – that's where the oven comes in for the recipe!


STEP 07

  • Assemble your masterpiece!
  • Spoon the fluffy quinoa pilaf onto plates.
  • Top each dollop with a seared salmon fillet.
  • Nestle the roasted butternut squash around the salmon.


STEP 08

  • Brush the salmon generously with the honey-herb glaze, letting it drizzle down onto the pilaf and squash.
  • This is the sweet-tart touch that elevates your baked salmon recipes to the next level!


STEP 09

  • Transfer the plates to the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to your liking.


STEP 10

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and voila! Your baked salmon recipe masterpiece is complete, ready to tantalize your taste buds and your loved ones.


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You may like to try this baked salmon recipe as well: Baked Salmon Recipe with Butternut Squash Risotto

PERSONAL RECIPE EXPERIENCE

This Baked Salmon and  Butternut Squash Recipe and Quinoa Pilaf recipe has become a go-to comfort food in my kitchen. The combination of fluffy quinoa, sweet squash, flaky salmon, and the tangy-sweet glaze is simply irresistible. It's a dish that feels healthy yet hearty, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're hosting a casual gathering. My guests always ask for the recipe, and it's always a hit!

EXTRA TIPS:

  • For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the quinoa while cooking.
  • Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for an extra touch of creaminess.
  • Leftovers? Flake the salmon and stir it into the quinoa pilaf for a quick and delicious lunch.

HEALTH BENEFITS

This baked salmon recipe isn't just about indulgence, it's packed with goodness! Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber. And the quinoa? It's a complete protein and a good source of iron and magnesium. So feel good about indulging in this baked salmon recipes, knowing you're nourishing your body and soul!

NOTE

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the size of your butternut squash cubes. Keep an eye on them and adjust as needed for your perfect baked salmon recipe.

CONCLUSION

This Baked Salmon and Butternut Squash Recipe with Quinoa Pilaf is more than just a baked salmon butternut squash recipe, it's an invitation to savor the season's bounty. So gather your loved ones, fire up your oven, and let the autumnal symphony of flavors begin!


For more baked salmon recipes like this: Have a quick look!