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Garlic Butter Lemon Herb Salmon Bowls Recipe

This Garlic Butter Salmon Bowl is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner option. Fresh salmon fillets are seared to perfection in garlic butter, paired with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, and served over a nutritious grain or veggie base. Perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prep!

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 2 salmon fillets (wild-caught preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowl Base:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup fresh greens (spinach, arugula, or mixed greens)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup cucumber, sliced
  • ¼ avocado, sliced

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon:

    • Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.

  2. Cook the Salmon:

    • Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
    • Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
    • Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice before removing from heat.

  3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and parsley.

  4. Assemble the Bowl:

    • Layer quinoa or brown rice at the base.
    • Add fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.
    • Place cooked salmon on top and drizzle with garlic butter sauce.

  5. Serve & Enjoy:

    • Garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge. Serve warm!

Notes

  • Substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Swap out butter for coconut oil to make it dairy-free.
  • Add roasted veggies like asparagus or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Make this dish spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha.
  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Healthy Bowls
  • Method: Pan-seared
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Salmon Bowl, Lemon Herb Salmon, Healthy Salmon Dinner, Easy Salmon Recipe, Meal Prep Salmon