Seafood & Salmon Bowls

Blackened Salmon & Avocado Crema Quinoa Bowl

Blackened salmon over quinoa with corn and tomatoes and lime avocado crema.

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
Makes
4 bowls
Blackened Salmon & Avocado Crema Quinoa Bowl with tri-color quinoa, blackened salmon, corn, cherry tomatoes and avocado crema in a terracotta ceramic bowl

This pairs the same blackening technique as our Chipotle Lime Rice & Blackened Salmon Bowl with quinoa and a creamy avocado crema rather than chipotle rice, for a cooler, fresher bowl.

Why this recipe works

Cool, creamy avocado crema balances the spicy crust.

Ingredient notes

Press plastic wrap onto the crema to slow browning.

Common mistakes

  • Moving the fish too early.
  • Overcooking.

What to serve with it

Lime wedges.

Meal prep

Best within 3 days; crema 1 day.

More bowls like this

Cooking tips

Turn on the fan. Use a thin spatula.

Swaps and variations

Use shrimp. Use dairy-free yogurt.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days.

Recipe

Blackened Salmon & Avocado Crema Quinoa Bowl

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
Makes
4 bowls

Ingredients

4 servings

You’ll need: cast-iron skillet; medium saucepan with lid; blender or fork; instant-read thermometer

Method

  1. Cook the quinoa: bring the quinoa and water to a boil, cover and simmer on low 15 minutes; rest 5 minutes.

  2. Mash or blend the avocado, yogurt, lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.

  3. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne and remaining salt and press onto the salmon.

  4. Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon 3 to 4 minutes per side, until dark and it flakes and reaches 145°F (63°C).

  5. Divide quinoa among 4 bowls with the corn and tomatoes, add the salmon and spoon over the crema.

Questions

Is it spicy?

Moderately.

How is it different from our Chipotle Lime Rice & Blackened Salmon Bowl?

Quinoa, corn, tomatoes and avocado crema instead of chipotle rice.

Comments

Made it? Tell us how it went

Questions, swaps that worked, things that didn’t. Comments are moderated.