Zesty Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta

My kitchen adventure with honey harissa salmon quinoa bowls never disappoints hungry friends seeking vibrant flavors.

Spicy meets sweet in this stunning Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together faster than most complex meals.

Quinoa serves as the perfect protein-packed canvas for succulent salmon glazed with fiery harissa and golden honey.

North African seasonings dance across delicate fish, creating a symphony of taste that awakens every sense.

Crisp vegetables and nutty grains provide beautiful textural contrast against the rich, caramelized salmon.

Each forkful promises an unexpected culinary journey that celebrates bold, fresh ingredients.

Honey Harissa Salmon Bowls With Color and Spice

• Speedy Culinary Delight: Whips up a gourmet meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey, spicy harissa, and tangy herbs to create a mouthwatering taste profile that dances on your palate.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loads each bowl with protein-rich salmon, fiber-filled quinoa, and fresh vegetables, delivering a balanced and wholesome dinner.
• Versatile Customization: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes.

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Ingredient Mix

• Salmon Filets: Tender, flaky fish that serves as the star protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Wild-caught or fresh salmon recommended for best flavor.
• Yogurt: Creamy topping that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy harissa.

• Honey, Harissa, Cumin: Warm spice blend creating a sweet and spicy coating for the salmon. Choose fresh harissa for authentic heat and depth.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out the salmon's natural flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and provides moisture during cooking.

• Cabbage, Scallions, Mixed Herbs: Crunchy slaw base with bright, fresh flavors. Choose crisp cabbage and fresh herbs for maximum texture and taste.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the slaw.

• Quinoa: Protein-rich grain that serves as a nutritious base for the bowl. Rinse before cooking to remove bitter coating.

Assembling Honey Harissa Salmon Bowls with Quinoa

Step 1: Whip Up Vibrant Slaw

• Shredded cabbage
• Chopped scallions
• Mixed fresh herbs
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt

Toss everything together and let the flavors mingle for 15 minutes while you prepare the salmon.

Step 2: Massage Salmon with Spicy Sweetness

Gently pat salmon filets dry with paper towels.

Generously season with kosher salt.

Drizzle honey and olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle with harissa and cumin.

Use fingertips to massage the spice blend evenly across both sides of the salmon, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Broil Fish to Perfection

Grab a baking sheet and line with aluminum foil.

Position salmon skin-side down.

Set oven rack approximately 6 inches from broiler.

Preheat broiler to high.

Cook salmon for 6-8 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Craft Colorful Quinoa Bowls

Scoop cooked quinoa into serving bowls.

Layer with prepared slaw.

Nestle broiled salmon filet on top.

Add a generous dollop of plain yogurt for creamy contrast.

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Salmon Bowl Advice for Honey Harissa Harmony

• Generously pat salmon dry before adding spices to ensure the honey harissa mixture adheres perfectly and creates a delicious caramelized crust.
• Keep a close eye on salmon during broiling and position the rack 6 inches from heat source to achieve golden-brown edges without charring the delicate fish.
• Chop herbs just before adding to slaw to maximize flavor and release essential oils, creating a more vibrant and aromatic topping for your quinoa bowl.
• Let slaw sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Easily swap salmon for chicken or tofu if desired, maintaining the same honey harissa seasoning technique for a versatile meal preparation.

Store Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls

• Store leftover salmon and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep quinoa in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Gently warm salmon in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on medium power to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use a skillet on low heat with a splash of water to preserve moisture.
• Drain any excess liquid and give the slaw a quick toss before serving to revive its crisp texture. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• Assemble bowls just before eating to keep ingredients from getting soggy. If ingredients are cold, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying for the best taste experience.

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Pairings

• Flavor Symphony Pairings
• Elevate Citrus-Infused White Wine: A crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the honey harissa salmon's spicy-sweet profile, cutting through the richness while enhancing the herbal slaw notes.
• Match Mediterranean-Style Rosé: A dry rosé from Provence offers bright acidity and light fruity undertones that beautifully balance the harissa's warmth and salmon's richness.
• Amplify Herbal Sparkling Water: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic option with cucumber-mint sparkling water, which mirrors the dish's herbal components and provides a cooling contrast to the spicy harissa.
• Boost Moroccan Mint Tea: A traditional mint tea offers a gentle, aromatic counterpoint to the salmon's bold flavors, cleansing the palate with its subtle sweetness and herbal freshness.

Salmon Quinoa Bowls with Harissa Swaps

• Gluten-Free Salmon Bowl: Replace quinoa with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Use gluten-free harissa and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Protein Alternative: Swap salmon with marinated tofu or tempeh. Use coconut yogurt instead of plain yogurt. Season plant-based protein with same honey harissa spices.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Increase harissa quantity for extra heat. Add fresh jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Use cilantro and mint for more vibrant herb profile.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute cabbage slaw with Greek-style cucumber salad. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce for additional flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What is harissa and why is it used in this recipe?

Harissa is a spicy North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, spices, and herbs. It adds a complex, smoky heat to the salmon, creating depth of flavor and giving the dish a zesty kick.

• Can I substitute the salmon with another fish?

Yes, you can use other firm fish like arctic char, trout, or halibut. These fish have similar textures and will work well with the honey harissa marinade.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! The dish is packed with protein from salmon, complex carbohydrates from quinoa, and nutrients from the cabbage slaw. It’s a balanced meal with healthy fats, omega-3s, and plenty of vitamins.

• How spicy is this dish with harissa?

The spice level depends on the harissa brand. Some are mild, while others are quite hot. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount and adjust to taste, or choose a milder harissa paste.

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey harissa salmon quinoa bowls deliver Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across palates with bold, zesty charm. Perfectly balanced ingredients merge into a quick, nutritious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 salmon filets (6 ounces each)

Starches:

• Cooked quinoa

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1/2 small head of green cabbage, shredded (or 1 bag of coleslaw mix)
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1/2 cup mixed soft herbs (cilantro, dill, parsley, and/or basil)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon harissa (dry spice, not paste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Kosher salt, to taste

Oils and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Accompaniments:

• Plain yogurt

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant slaw by combining shredded cabbage, thinly sliced scallions, and a medley of fresh herbs in a spacious mixing vessel. Drizzle with citrusy lemon juice and fragrant olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to marinate for a quarter-hour, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
2. Meticulously pat the salmon filets dry using paper towels, then generously season with kosher salt. Create a luscious glaze by combining golden honey and olive oil, then sprinkle with aromatic harissa and earthy cumin. Massage the spice mixture thoroughly across both surfaces of the fish, ensuring an even, flavorful coating.
3. Carefully line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and position the salmon filets skin-side down. Adjust the oven rack approximately 6 inches from the broiler element and activate the high-heat setting. Broil the fish for 6-8 minutes, vigilantly monitoring to prevent charring. The salmon is perfectly cooked when it effortlessly flakes under gentle pressure from a fork.
4. Construct the quinoa bowls by nestling a generous portion of cooked quinoa at the base of each serving dish. Artfully layer the prepared slaw atop the grain, then crown with the expertly broiled salmon filet. Accompany the dish with a dollop of cool, creamy plain yogurt to balance the bold, spicy flavors.

Notes

• Customize the slaw by swapping cabbage with kale or mixed greens for added nutrition and varied texture.
• Choose wild-caught salmon to ensure higher omega-3 content and more sustainable seafood practices.
• Adjust harissa heat level by selecting mild or spicy versions based on personal spice tolerance.
• prepare slaw and salmon components ahead of time and store separately for quick assembly during busy weekdays.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg