Is this salmon strawberry quinoa salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with lean protein, fiber, heart-healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables, berries, salmon, and olive oil. It's a balanced meal that's both nourishing and satisfying.

Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes! Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers and assemble the salad just before serving. This helps keep the greens fresh and prevents the dressing from making the salad soggy.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely. Thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and cooking. Once thawed, prepare it exactly as directed in the recipe.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes. Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free alternative. The salad will still be fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

No. While quinoa adds protein and fiber, you can easily substitute it with cooked brown rice, farro, wild rice, or your favorite grain. If you love quinoa, make sure to check out my other quinoa recipes here !

Can I make the strawberry dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The homemade strawberry dressing can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. Simply shake or stir well before serving.

Salmon Strawberry Quinoa Salad (A CAVA-Inspired Bowl)

Name: Salmon Strawberry Quinoa Salad (A CAVA-Inspired Bowl)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 salmon fillet; 3 cups organic arugula; ½ – 1 cup cooked quinoa (I used ½ cup for this recipe); ½ cup sliced strawberries; ½ cup cucumber, sliced; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; Olive oil; Slap Ya Mama seasoning; Fresh Strawberry Salad Dressing (below)

Description

Looking for a healthy, high-protein summer salad? This Salmon Strawberry Quinoa Salad is a fresh, high-protein meal inspired by one of my favorite CAVA bowls. Made with perfectly seasoned salmon, fluffy quinoa, peppery arugula, juicy strawberries, crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a homemade strawberry dressing, it’s an easy, restaurant-worthy salad you’ll want to make all summer long.

Ingredients

Scale

1 salmon fillet
3 cups organic arugula
½ – 1 cup cooked quinoa (I used ½ cup for this recipe)
½ cup sliced strawberries
½ cup cucumber, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

The ingredients for the salmon, strawberry, quinoa, arugula salad include organic arugula, cooked quinoa, strawberries, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

For the Salmon

Dressing

Fresh Strawberry Salad Dressing (below)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season and Air Fry the Salmon. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and drizzle it with olive oil. Season both sides generously with Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Prepare the Salad Ingredients. While the salmon cooks, wash and dry the arugula. Slice the strawberries, dice the cucumber, and halve the cherry tomatoes. If your quinoa isn’t already cooked, prepare it according to the package instructions and allow it to cool slightly.

Assemble the Salad. Add the arugula to a large serving bowl. Top with the cooked quinoa, strawberries, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Place the warm salmon on top. I suggest drizzling the homemade strawberry dressing only when you are ready to eat.

Serve and Enjoy. Serve immediately while the salmon is still warm. This salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and is delicious with extra strawberry dressing on the side.

Notes

Use already cooked quinoa or leftover plain cooked quinoa. Otherwise, cook it ahead of time for your salad.

Allow the salmon to cool slightly before placing it on the greens.

Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor.

Assemble just before serving.

This recipe serves 1 hungry adult as a main dish, 2 children, or 2 adults when served as a side salad.