Sun-dried tomato pesto and lemon do double duty to season both the salmon and the quinoa in this healthy one-pan dinner recipe. Serve the salmon with extra lemon wedges and a dollop of plain yogurt, if desired.
Ingredients
Additional Notes
Tip: Most salmon--wild and now some farmed--is considered a sustainable choice). For farmed, ask for fish that's raised in land- or tank-based systems. For more information about sustainable seafood, go to seafoodwatch.org.
Instructions
Zest lemon and reserve the zest. Cut the lemon into 8 slices. Season salmon with salt and pepper and spread 1 1/2 teaspoons pesto on each piece.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the fennel; cook until brown on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and fennel. Transfer to the plate. Add quinoa and scallions to the pan; cook, stirring frequently, until the quinoa is lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in broth, olives, pine nuts, garlic, the reserved lemon zest and the remaining 2 tablespoons pesto.
Nestle the fennel and salmon into the quinoa. Top the salmon with the lemon slices. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook until the salmon is cooked through and the quinoa is tender, 10 to 14 minutes. Garnish with fennel fronds, if desired.