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Perfect Baked Salmon with Lentils and Lemon Herb Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

This Perfect Baked Salmon with Lentils and Lemon Herb Sauce recipe combines tender baked salmon with hearty black lentils and red quinoa, all enhanced by a zesty lemon garlic dressing. Finished with optional purple sauerkraut and green beans, this wholesome dish balances robust flavors and vibrant textures for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup black lentils
  • 1 cup red quinoa
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 12 ounces salmon (skin on)
  • 2–3 cups green beans or other vegetables (optional)
  • 1 cup purple sauerkraut (optional)

Lemon Herb Sauce

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Generous pinch of salt (to taste)
  • Quick squeeze of honey or agave (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lentils and Quinoa: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Rinse the black lentils and red quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Transfer them to a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the lentils and quinoa are almost fully cooked and have absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from the oven and gently fluff with a fork.
  2. Make the Lemon Herb Sauce: While the lentils and quinoa bake, prepare the lemon dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and honey or agave in a food processor. Blend until smooth, or alternatively shake all ingredients vigorously in a jar. Set aside about half of this dressing for serving later.
  3. Bake the Salmon and Vegetables: Once the lentils and quinoa are ready, place the salmon fillet skin side down on top of the lentil mixture. Add any green beans or other vegetables around or over the lentils as desired. Drizzle or brush half of the lemon herb sauce over the salmon and vegetables. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to get a nice finish on the salmon. If the salmon requires more time, turn off the oven and let it rest inside for a few minutes to complete cooking gently.
  4. Serve: When the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork, serve portions with reserved lemon herb sauce and a side of purple sauerkraut if you enjoy adventurous flavors. The dish pairs nicely with the green beans or your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the lemon dressing sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste preferences.
  • The purple sauerkraut adds a tangy, probiotic-rich element but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Check the salmon’s internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C) when done.
  • You can substitute the lentils or quinoa with other grains or legumes, but cooking times may vary.
  • Broiling at the end creates a pleasant texture contrast on the salmon’s surface.

Keywords: baked salmon, lentils, quinoa, lemon herb sauce, healthy dinner, gluten free, easy baked fish

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/perfect-baked-salmon-with-lentils-and-lemon-herb-sauce-recipe/