Salmon + Broccoli Quinoa Salad

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This salmon quinoa salad is made with broccoli, goji berries, pepitas, and a creamy yogurt dressing. It’s hearty, nutritious, and a wonderful option for healthy meal prep!

Salmon quinoa salad in a bowl with spoons.

This salmon and quinoa salad is an ideal meal for warmer weather! Bursting with flavour and packed with health benefits, it's a delightful choice for any occasion.

Featuring finely chopped broccoli for a rice-like texture, along with quinoa, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, freshly cooked salmon, and a creamy yogurt sauce to bring it all together, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or a packed lunch, it's easy to prepare, full of protein and fibre, and remains deliciously fresh for the next day.

Ingredients you’ll need

All you need are 12 wholesome ingredients to make this salmon quinoa salad recipe.

Salmon fillets: you’ll need about 4 fillets of good quality fresh salmon or 2 large pieces.
Quinoa: I used tri-colour quinoa, but regular white-coloured is fine too. Use pre-cooked to save time!
Broccoli: The base of this salad uses 1 broccoli head or about 4 cups of florets cut into bite-sized pieces.
Fresh herbs: I used a combination of parsley and coriander, but basil and mint would work lovely too.
Red onion: Adds a nice bite.
Pepitas: I used raw pumpkin seeds, but sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts or almonds work too.
Goji berries: adds sweetness and a chewy texture to the salad.
Carrot: You’ll need 1 grated carrot here.
Yogurt: We use low-fat plain Greek yogurt to make the healthy salad dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to the dressing. Can sub with lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
Honey: Just a touch to balance out the dressing.
Wholegrain mustard: Unlike hot English mustard, it's not spicy, and it's less sour than Dijon mustard.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How To Make Salmon Quinoa Salad

Prepare Salmon: Flake the salmon into chunks and place them in a bowl.

Cook Quinoa: If using raw quinoa, cook 1 cup of uncooked quinoa grains according to package instructions.

Chop Veggies: While the quinoa is cooking, finely chop the broccoli florets, grate the carrot, chop the onion, and herbs.

Make the Yogurt Dressing: In a small bowl or screw-top jar, combine yogurt, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake the jar until the ingredients are creamy and emulsified.

Combine Ingredients: Place the salad ingredients in a large bowl along with the cooked quinoa.

Add Dressing: Pour over the yogurt dressing and give it a good stir to coat everything.

Serve: Top with the flaked salmon and enjoy!

Recipe variations

Here are a few suggestions if you want to jazz up this recipe:

Different Grains: Experiment with different grains like bulgur, couscous, or farro instead of quinoa for varied textures and flavours.
Vegetable Substitutions: Swap out broccoli for other vegetables like shredded kale, cabbage, or cauliflower rice for variety.
Nuts and Seeds: Try different nuts and seeds such as sliced almonds, pine nuts, or sesame seeds instead of pepitas for added crunch and flavour.
Dressing Alternatives: Explore different dressing options such as a citrus vinaigrette with orange juice and zest or a creamy avocado dressing for a different taste experience.
Protein Options: Substitute the salmon with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different source of protein.
Fruit Additions: Add fresh or dried fruits like cranberries, diced apples, or pomegranate seeds fin place of goji berries.

How to store

Store leftover salmon and broccoli quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store the salmon in a separate container.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?

Yes, canned salmon can be used as a substitute for fresh salmon in this recipe. Drain the canned salmon well before adding it to the salad.

Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! You can use other types of fish such as grilled or poached trout, tuna, or even cooked shrimp as alternatives to salmon.

Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan by omitting the salmon or replacing it with plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use coconut yogurt and maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, you can add additional protein sources such as hard-boiled eggs, or canned lentils or beans. You can also increase the portion size of the quinoa or add more nuts and seeds for extra protein and fibre.

More Hearty Salads

Chicken & Pomegranate Salad

Spring Onion Potato Salad

Chicken Tikka Salad

Italian Grinder Salad

If you try this salmon quinoa salad recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.