Panseared Salmon with Lemonherb Quinoa Asparagus

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever stare into the fridge wondering what to cook? This pan-seared salmon is perfect for healthy supper recipes for two . It’s got that delicious lemon herb flavor everyone loves.
Brief Overview
This dish is simple, Mediterranean inspired, and quick. Originating from the desire for uncomplicated but quality home cooking. It takes only 35 minutes from start to finish and serves two hungry people.
Ideal for a romantic meal or a weeknight treat.
Main Benefits
Salmon is packed with Omega-3s for a healthy heart. It's also brilliant for a light but satisfying meal. What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to achieve that restaurant quality flavour at home.
Honestly , it's a cheat code for looking like a pro.
Cracking Good Ingredients for Our Supper
Alright, let’s gather what we need. Remember to rinse the quinoa! For the salmon, grab two fillets. Don't be shy with the fresh parsley for the quinoa.
Equipment: Keep it Simple
You'll need a skillet, saucepan, and baking sheet. Parchment paper makes cleaning up a breeze.
step-by-step: From Fridge to Tabletop
First, roast the asparagus. Cook the quinoa while the asparagus is in the oven. Next, sear the salmon until the skin is crispy. You know , that's the best part.
Nutritional Nitty Gritty
Each serving rings in at around 700 calories. You also get about 50 grams of protein. Remember, these are just estimates.
Tips and Tricks of the Trade
The secret to crispy salmon skin is drying it completely . Also, don’t overcook the salmon. 145° F ( 63° C) is your target temp.
Twists and Turns
Fancy a bit of spice? Add red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, use halloumi. It's just as satisfying.
Serving Suggestions: Make It Special
Pair this meal with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. A simple green salad is a perfect addition. Oh my gosh! Some Greek yogurt on top is divine.
Summing It Up
This salmon dinner for two is a winner. It’s delicious, healthy, and easy. Get your bake on and you'll have an amazing, and healthy dinner recipes for couples .
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this healthy supper recipes for two . Honestly, it's simpler than you think! These healthy dinner recipes for couples are designed for busy folks.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Key to a Tasty Meal
Main Ingredients: Fresh is Best!
Okay, so here's the shopping list for our Pan-Seared Salmon masterpiece. We're making a Salmon dinner for two , so amounts are just right for two hungry bellies.
- Salmon Fillets : You'll need 2 salmon fillets, each about 6 oz (170g) . Go for the good stuff! Look for bright colour and firm flesh. If it smells fishy (you know what I mean), give it a miss.
- Quinoa : Grab 1 cup (180g) of quinoa. Make sure you rinse it well to get rid of any bitterness.
- Asparagus : We want about 1 lb (450g) of asparagus. Choose firm, green spears, avoiding any that are floppy or yellowing.
- Olive Oil : For cooking, 3 tablespoons (45ml) total.
- Vegetable Broth : 2 cups (480ml) for the quinoa.
- Garlic : 1 clove , minced.
- Lemon : 1 and 1/2 lemons . One for juice and zest, and the last cut into wedges to serve.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (3g) chopped.
- Salt & Pepper : To taste, of course.
We have a bunch of quick healthy meals for two here, and believe me they are all fantastic!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!
Right, let's talk flavour! These spices make our Mediterranean diet dinner for two stand out.
- The Essential Duo : Salt and pepper are non-negotiable.
- Lemon Zest & Juice : This brightens everything up. Don't skip it!
- Fresh Parsley : Adds a lovely freshness. You can sub dill or chives if you like, though.
- Garlic Powder (Optional) : For the asparagus. Adds a nice savoury touch.
I often wonder about all the Weeknight healthy dinner ideas for two that could be made!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
No need for fancy gadgets. We are keeping it to some Easy Healthy Dinner For 2 !
- Large Skillet : Cast iron is ideal for getting that perfect sear on the salmon skin, but any large skillet will do.
- Small Saucepan : For cooking the quinoa.
- Baking Sheet : For roasting the asparagus.
- Lemon Zester : A microplane grater is perfect. If you don't have one, just use a fine grater, or even a vegetable peeler to get strips and chop them up really fine.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : Pretty standard stuff.
- Parchment paper : If you want to be extra good, this will help to have less of a wash up.
That's it, mate! No need to stress. With these ingredients and basic equipment, you're well on your way to creating a healthy supper recipes for two that tastes like a restaurant meal! These Romantic dinner recipes healthy are a way to show your partner that you love them without spending a fortune.
Cooking Healthy For Two is fun, try it! And these recipes for Healthy Dinner Recipes For Two On A Budget will get you started
Pan-Seared Salmon: Your Go-To Healthy Supper Recipes for Two
Fancy a healthy supper for two that feels proper fancy but is secretly easy? I've got you. This Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Herb Quinoa and Roasted Asparagus is my absolute go-to.
Honestly, it looks like something you'd get in a restaurant, but it's dead simple to make at home. Perfect for a romantic dinner recipes healthy or just a quick healthy meals for two on a busy weeknight.
You know when you want healthy dinner recipes for couples but can't be bothered with a massive faff? This is it .
Mise en Place: Level Up Your Prep Game!
First, get everything ready. It's called "mise en place" like the posh chefs say. Chop your asparagus, zest and juice your lemon, mince your garlic.
Rinse the quinoa. Basically, get all your ducks in a row. Honestly, prepping makes cooking so much smoother! And remember: safety first.
Keep a clean workspace. Keep all raw food away from the cooked food, and make sure that you avoid cross contamination when prepping.
This can lead to food poisoning.
Let's Cook: From Prep to Plate
- Preheat and Prep: Crank your oven up to 400° F ( 200° C) . Give those asparagus spears a trim. Then, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you fancy.
- Roast 'Em Asparagus: Spread the asparagus on a baking sheet and roast for 10- 12 minutes , until they are just tender.
- Quinoa Time: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil in a saucepan. Add the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes , until the liquid is gone. Fluff it up with a fork and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Season to taste.
- Salmon Sizzle: Pat those salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Sear the salmon skin side down for 5- 7 minutes , until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 2- 3 minutes , until cooked through to an internal temperature of 145° F ( 63° C) .
- Plate It Up! Dish out the quinoa and asparagus on two plates. Top with the seared salmon. Garnish with lemon wedges. Boom! Done.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Crispy Skin Secret: The secret to crispy salmon skin? Dry that skin! Use paper towels to pat the fillets completely dry before searing.
- Don't Overcook It! Salmon is best when slightly undercooked. Remember, it'll keep cooking from the residual heat.
- make-ahead Magic: You can roast the asparagus and cook the quinoa ahead of time. Just reheat them before serving.
Honestly, this healthy supper recipes for two is such a winner. It's quick, it's easy, and it tastes amazing. Give it a go you won't regret it!
This delicious recipe will surely be part of your weeknight healthy dinner ideas for two
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Salmon Dinner for Two
Right, so you're all set to make this cracking healthy supper recipes for two . Here are some bits and bobs to ensure it's a smashing success! Honestly, even I, the queen of culinary chaos, can nail this!
Serving Like a Pro: Plating & Pairing
Alright, let's talk fancy! Plating and presentation are key. Picture this: a swirl of the lemon herb quinoa, vibrant green asparagus artfully arranged, and that perfectly seared salmon glistening.
A lemon wedge adds a pop of colour and zing. Fancy, right?
For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc would be lovely or a Pinot Grigio . It's like a romantic dinner recipes healthy in a glass! A simple green salad on the side is an absolute winner too.
Storing Like a Boss: Leftover Logistics
Got leftovers? You're in luck! Refrigerate any leftover salmon, quinoa, and asparagus in separate airtight containers within two hours of cooking.
They'll keep for up to three days. This makes it great for cooking healthy for two when you pre-plan for the week ahead.
Freezing isn't ideal for the asparagus, as it can get a bit mushy, but the salmon and quinoa freeze well separately for up to a month.
To reheat , gently warm the salmon in a pan or microwave and reheat the quinoa and asparagus separately.
Twist it Up: Variation Station
Fancy a change? Let's get creative with some dietary adaptations and seasonal swaps for these Healthy Dinner Recipes For Couples .
- Low-Carb: Swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice. It's quick healthy meals for two and super simple.
- Seasonal Swaps: Use green beans or tender stem broccoli instead of asparagus. Honestly, anything goes. It’s about making Health Dinners For Two that you will enjoy.
Nutrition Nuggets: Healthy Eating Made Easy
Let's talk about the good stuff. This salmon dinner for two is packed with protein from the salmon. It's also got healthy fats and fibre from the quinoa and asparagus.
That is what you want when you look at weeknight healthy dinner ideas for two .
It's a wonderfully complete Mediterranean diet dinner for two , full of omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants. Think of it as a delicious hug for your body.
I think this is one of those Easy Healthy Dinner For 2 that you will make many times.
So there you have it! Whether you are on a Healthy Dinner Recipes For Two On A Budget or not, give this recipe a try.
With these notes, you are all set to create a meal that’s both scrumptious and good for you. So, get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pan-seared salmon recipe really healthy for a supper?
Absolutely! This recipe is packed with nutrients. Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, asparagus provides fibre and vitamins, and quinoa offers complex carbohydrates.
Plus, we're using healthy fats like olive oil and keeping the sodium levels reasonable, making it a cracking choice for a healthy supper.
I'm a bit of a beginner in the kitchen. Is this Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Herb Quinoa and Roasted Asparagus easy enough for me to make?
Fear not! This recipe is designed with beginners in mind. Pan-searing salmon, roasting asparagus, and cooking quinoa are all straightforward techniques. Just follow the instructions carefully, and don't be afraid to take your time. Even if you're normally a "beans on toast" kind of cook, you'll nail this!
Can I prepare any part of these healthy supper recipes for two ahead of time?
You certainly can! To save time on the night, you can rinse the quinoa and trim the asparagus in advance. You can even prep the lemon herb mixture for the quinoa. Just store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. It is a win-win situation, saves time and reduces mess!
What if I don't have asparagus? What's a good substitute to keep this a healthy supper?
No worries if you're missing asparagus there are plenty of alternatives! Broccoli florets or green beans are great options that roast similarly. Just toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) and roast alongside the salmon and quinoa for a healthy and delicious twist, or use your own favourite vegetable.
How long will leftovers of this meal last, and what's the best way to store it to maintain a safe and healthy supper?
Leftover salmon, quinoa, and asparagus can be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to cool the food completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
When reheating the salmon, do so gently to avoid drying it out a low oven or microwave works best, or it may also be nice cold.
I am on a diet, can I make any adjustments to this recipe to lower the amount of calories in these healthy supper recipes for two?
You can make a few changes to reduce the calories in this dish. Using less olive oil, opting for a low-sodium broth for cooking the quinoa, and increasing the portion of asparagus can help to lower the overall calorie count.
You could also remove the skin from the salmon, although that crispy skin is where a lot of the delicious flavour is.
Panseared Salmon With Lemonherb Quinoa Asparagus

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |