Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad

There’s nothing like a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition all in one beautiful presentation. That’s exactly what you get with this Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad. Featuring pre-seasoned, ready-to-grill salmon from Cedar Bay Grilling, this recipe makes for an effortlessly impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

A colorful plate featuring Hickory Maple Salmon Bites atop a vibrant Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad. The dish is garnished with fresh spinach, jewel-like pomegranate arils, golden quinoa, crisp apple slices, and toasted pecans, all lightly drizzled with a creamy maple-lemon vinaigrette. The salmon bites are caramelized and crispy on the outside, perfectly complementing the fresh and hearty salad ingredients.

Effortless Salmon Preparation

Cedar Bay Grilling takes the guesswork out of cooking salmon. Their planked and pre-seasoned salmon filets are ready to cook straight from the packaging. For this dish, I used their 5-ounce Hickory Maple Salmon filets and transformed them into bite-sized pieces. By cutting each filet into eight segments, not only do you get the ideal size for layering over the quinoa salad, but you also expose more surface area for a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the interior tender, succulent and flaky. Whether you grill, bake, or air fry, these bites are ready in under 15 minutes, making them as convenient as they are delicious.

A Salad That’s as Vibrant as It Is Nutritious

While the salmon cooks, you can quickly assemble the pomegranate apple quinoa salad (have pre-cooked quinoa on hand, even the pre-cooked kind in a pouch works). It’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed base that’s both hearty and refreshing. Here’s what makes it shine:

  • Quinoa: This protein-rich grain adds substance and texture, providing a neutral canvas to highlight the other ingredients.
  • Pomegranate Arils: Jewel-like bursts of tangy sweetness complement the savory salmon and nutty quinoa.
  • Apple: I chose Opal apples for their crispness and natural resistance to browning, ensuring the salad stays fresh and visually appealing.
  • Toasted Pecans: For a buttery crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Red Onion: A subtle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit.
  • Spinach: A nutrient-dense leafy green that ties everything together.

Maple-Lemon Vinaigrette

To dress this salmon bowl, I created a creamy maple-lemon vinaigrette that adds a tangy sweetness and a touch of indulgence without overloading on calories. Greek yogurt serves as the base, making the dressing creamy and protein-rich, while fresh lemon juice and maple syrup balance the flavors beautifully.

Plating and Serving

To assemble layer the pomegranate quinoa salad in a shallow serving bowl and top with the crispy salmon bites. The contrast of colors—golden salmon, ruby pomegranate arils, emerald spinach, and snowy quinoa—makes for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and Easy: Pre-seasoned salmon and minimal prep make this dish perfect for busy schedules.
  • Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and fresh produce.
  • Beautiful and Versatile: A show-stopping presentation that works as a main dish or a nourishing lunch.

With its blend of seasonal flavors, easy-for-anyone preparation, and nourishing ingredients, Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and experience how effortless gourmet cooking can be with Cedar Bay Grilling.

You can find Cedar Bay Grilling salmon at:  Kroger, Publix, Hannaford, Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s, Giant, Giant eagle, Stop n Shop and Roche Bros.

Also, follow for Cedar Bay Grilling recipes and news – Facebook and Instagram.

Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Course: dinner, dinner, entree
Keyword: fish, pomegranate, quinoa, salmon, seafood
Calories: 593 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 5- oz Hickory Maple Salmon Filets from Cedar Bay Grilling
  • ½ medium chopped golden opal apple or another variety
  • 4- ounce pomegranate arils
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup toasted chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup cooked plain quinoa home cooked or plain from a pouch
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
Dressing:
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp real maple syrup
  • 1.5 Tbsp zero-fat Greek yogurt
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat air-fryer or oven to 380F. Unwrap salmon and cut each filet into eight pieces, spreading out just a bit on the provided cedar plank.
  2. Cook for 8-12 minutes until salmon is flakey and slight still pink and tender in center. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature in thickest part should reach 145F.
  3. While salmon is cooking, prepare quinoa salad. Toss together chopped apple, pomegranate arils, red onion, pecans, cooked quinoa and spinach.
  4. Add all dressing ingredients to a small mason jar and shake until thoroughly combined. Pour over salad and stir to distribute evenly.
  5. Distribute salad among two bowls. Place salmon pieces evenly atop salads (removing bottom skin) and enjoy!
  6. Serves 2.
Recipe Notes

Bourbon Orange Salmon – 15 Minute Meal

Make flavor waves on a busy weeknight with this Bourbon Orange Salmon – ready in just 15 minutes.

It doesn’t have to be hard to be delicious, quick and flavorful. Wild-caught Sockeye Salmon Filets from my Butcher Box Delivery are quickly thawed in cool water (or overnight in the fridge). Keeping my freezer stocked with salmon and other quality proteins, such as grass-finished beef, from this subscription box delivery just makes life easy, healthy and flavorful. I always have the foundation for a fabulous meal – like this salmon with bourbon sauce – at the ready.  

The salmon is simple seasoned with salt and pepper and seared in a skillet to succulent perfection. After pan-searing, a quick bourbon sauce (the alcohol is cooked off) in the same skillet along with a mandarin orange and a few other mindful ingredients.

The key to a super citrus-y taste that pairs so well with bourbon, is to use a microplaner to remove the zest from your mandarin orange before peeling and chopping. This handheld citrus zester fits perfectly in your palm and makes the task easy.

I hope you enjoy the Orange Bourbon Salmon at learn more about Butcher Box subscription meat and seafood delivery HERE:

Bourbon Orange Chicken
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

This 15 minute salmon recipe is prepared in a skilled and drizzled with a sweet bourbon orange glaze. Great for a quick weeknight meal or even company!

Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 254 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 4-oz. skinless salmon fillets
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 mandarin orange zested, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp. butter
Instructions
  1. Heat large non-stick skillet over medium-high.

  2. Season salmon with salt and pepper and add to skilled with olive oil. Cook into golden on both sides, about 130F internal temp. Time will vary by thickness, but about 6-8 minutes typical.

  3. Remove salmon from skillet, an in same skilled over medium heat add bourbon, coconut sugar, coconut aminos and let simmer for a few minutes until alcohol cooked of and volume is reduced.

  4. Toss in chopped orange, zest and butter and cook another minute until heated.

  5. To serve, drizzle sauce over salmon. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes

This post contains affiliate links.

5 Salmon Recipes to Make Waves at Dinner

As we approach the start of a new year, I’ve lined up five healthy, simple, and creative salmon recipes to make waves at the dinner table. These are the best easy salmon recipes!

I’m a mega fan of salmon for supper – it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and a host of essential nutrients, salmon not only will fuel your body but also provide a versatile canvas for your culinary imagination.  Just a 3-oz portion of salmon boasts 22g protein and only 155 calories, and that’s a win for my training diet.

These salmon recipes offer something for everyone – and even the non-fish fans will fall in love (I hope)!

What's better than garlic butter? Garlic butter all over salmon, mushrooms and delicious veggies! This easy one-dish salmon skillet is sure to become your favorite 15-minute meal.

Garlic Butter Salmon & Mushrooms – Whip out your skillet and prepare this weeknight salmon recipe in just 15 minutes – it’s low-carb and delicious. I love how the mushrooms serve as sponges to sop up the buttery, garlic goodness. One of my all-time favorite salmon skillet dinners (because yee-haw, I’m a huge mushroom fan too).

Strawberry-Chipotle Salmon (with Quinoa Salad) – this quick and easy meal shines bright with a salmon glaze made jarred strawberry jam (I use a sugar-free variety), soy sauce, and canned chipotle peppers that have been chopped up! Sweet and spicy!

Creamy Coconut Salmon Skillet

Creamy Coconut Lime Salmon Skillet – this low-carb, paleo-friendly skillet meal is rich and satisfying! Salmon poaches in coconut milk and is so tender and delicious – I like to serve it with cauliflower rice.

Orange Cranberry Sheet Pan Salmon prep

Cranberry-Orange Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner – This 30-minute salmon meal cooks up entirely on a standard rimmed baking sheet. Green beans, cranberries and citrus slices create a memorable medley of flavor – this salmon sheet pan dinner is elegant enough for a holiday celebration, yet easy-peasy for a busy night.

Grilled Salmon Zucchini Quinoa Burgers – a fresh and fit spin on a traditional patty – so juicy and tasty! Sandwich between the bun of your choosing and load up with toppings! This is a total mom win that sneaks in extra veggies and nutrients to “burger” night.

Garlic Butter Salmon and Mushrooms – Low-carb, 15-min Recipe

Salmon fillets are a mainstay on on my weekly dinner menu. Whether fresh or from frozen, salmon is a quality protein that makes the perfect blank canvas, ready to be “painted” with colorful vegetables and the seasonings that suit your mood of the moment!

When it comes to seasonings and flavor, garlic can’t be beat. It has a host of functional health benefits, is umami-friendly and maximizes the flavor of everything it’s paired with, from veggies, to proteins, to grains, pastas and bread . . ahh, garlic bread. Distinctively pungent, yet more mellow upon cooking, garlic is probably the “first reach” seasoning in my kitchen. If I could only pick one seasoning (other than salt and pepper) for a dish, it would be garlic — that’s how I keep life easy! Fresh minced or crushed garlic is the best, but when I’m making a quick dinner recipe, I rely on the convenience of minced garlic in a jar, garlic paste in a tube, or pre-portioned frozen crushed garlic.

Minced fresh garlic if you have the time, but purchased garlic in jar, tube or frozen portions is convenient!

I drooled earlier about buttery garlic bread, but buttery garlic MUSHROOMS – ohhhhyeah! Low-cal and low-carb, can be a little bland on their own — but with just a little butter and garlic, any mushroom side dish becomes heaven! You can use white button mushrooms or baby bellas (cremini) mushrooms in this low-carb salmon recipe — both act like little sponges that soak up all the rich flavor.

A quick little 15-second tutorial!

Pro-Tips:

1) Leave bottom skin on salmon, this makes a richer recipe and makes the cooking process easier (less sticking). You can remove it later . . . but remember, the brown/gray “gunk” between the skin and salmon flesh is salmon fat and where most of the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids reside.

2) Salmon is cooked in 2 steps. First a sear with the skin side up. Then the par-cooked salmon rests on a plate while the veggies cook. Second, the fish is finished off by cooking skin side down among the vegetables, with a lid on top of the skilled to expedite the process. Make sure to have the lid nearby.

3) You can substitute peeled, de-veined jumpo shrimp. Those will cook for 3 to 4 minutes UNTIL DONE on the first step, and then you add back into the recipe when the vegetables are finished. Don’t add cooking time after this, or they will become rubbery.

4) For this garlic mushroom salmon skillet recipe, a non-stick skillet/fry pan with lid (10″) works well to keep the garlicked up salmon from sticking to the pan on the searing step. However, if you don’t have a non-stick or don’t want to use a non-stick, and end up with some bits burned onto the pan, there is a solution. After removing fish to rest on plate, add a splash of water to the hot skilled to sizzle and then quickly scrape off with spatula.

5) This mushroom salmon recipe scales up easily. To make 4 servings, just double the recipe (fine to be loosy-goosey on vegetables) and use a 12″ non-stick skillet/frypan with lid.

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Macros per serving: 469 cal, 34g fat, 6g net carb, 33g protein
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Note: This post contains affiliate links.

5 from 8 votes
What's better than garlic butter? Garlic butter all over salmon, mushrooms and delicious veggies! This easy one-dish salmon skillet is sure to become your favorite 15-minute meal.
Garlic Butter Salmon and Mushroom Skillet
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 

What's better than garlic butter? Garlic butter all over salmon, mushrooms and delicious veggies! This easy one-dish salmon skillet is sure to become your favorite 15-minute meal.

Course: dinner
Keyword: garlic, mushrooms, one dish, salmon
Servings: 2
Calories: 469 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 5- ounce salmon filets skin on
  • ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper plus more for seasoning at end, if desired
  • 2 tbsp. garlic divided
  • 1.5 tbsps salted butter
  • 8 ounce white or cremini mushrooms cleaned and halved ½ red onion, chopped coarsely
  • 1/2 cut coarsely chopped red onion
  • 3 cups fresh spinach coarsely chopped
Instructions
  1. Season salmon with salt, pepper and 1 tbsp. of the garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in skillet over med-high heat.
  3. Add filets skin side up; sear for 3 minutes or until crust forming on flesh. Set par-cooked fish aside on plate (will finish cooking later).
  4. Melt butter in skillet over med-high, add mushrooms and onions and saute for about 3 minutes; add remainder of garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in spinach; set salmon back in skillet, skin side down this time. Cook on medium for about 3 to 5 more minutes (with lid on for several minutes to help speed process). Actual cook time will depend on thickness of salmon filets.

  5. Season with additional salt and pepper, as desired.
Recipe Notes

2 servings. Each serving: 469 cal, 34g fat, 6g net carb, 33g protein

Strawberry Chipotle Salmon and Quinoa Salad

This post is sponsored by SitkaSalmonShares.com. However, all content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own.

Sweet and just a little bit spicy!  That sums up my personality and is also a flavor profile I love.

Sweet and lightly spicy, this southwestern inspired strawberry chipotle glazed salmon is delicious and nutritious atop a quinoa salad packed with strawberries, spinach and avocado. Can be made ahead and also great for meal prep.
Jump to Recipe

Strawberries play perfectly with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in my new fish recipe – Strawberry Chipotle Salmon on Strawberry-Avocado Quinoa Salad. Not only is it a 30-minute recipe, but a flavorful and nutritious salmon recipe you’ll have on repeat all summer long.

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Visit the Pin Story for video steps.

I used wild Coho salmon from a fisherman’s co-op I love and trust – SitkaSalmonShares.com (jump below to get an amazing discount code).  Coho salmon is a healthy, clean sources of protein with amazing nutritional benefits.

Coho salmon and other Alaskan seafood Save $25 at SitkaSalmonShares.com with code: FITFORK
Save $25 at SitkaSalmonShares.com with code: FITFORK

Coho salmon is leaner than the omni-present Sockeye salmon you most typically see in the grocery store and also offers the highest amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, of all wild Alaska species. These essential fatty acids are important for brain health during all stages of life. I like to purchase my salmon with the skin on, primarily because that’s were a large concentration of the omega-3s are found. It’s the brownish fatty layer between the skin and flesh – don’t scrape it off, EAT IT to optimize the nutritional benefits of Coho salmon.

This strawberry chipotle salmon recipes is very easy, you don’t even have to make the quinoa salad if in a rush. The glaze is simple a no-sugar-added strawberry preserve* mixed together with soy sauce and chopped chipotle peppers in adobo (or a chipotle paste for no chopping and thus even more convenience).

*Note: For the strawberry preserve or jam, there are options based on your dietary preferences. For example, I used a stevia-sweetened jam, but there are jams sweetened with honey, juices and different sweetener substitutes. You can also use a traditional strawberry jam or preserve, if you’d rather.

Stawberry -Avocado Chipotle Quinoa salad

The strawberry quinoa salad is equally easy to whip up. I like to prepare my quinoa in advance so that it has time to cool to at least room temperature. Then it’s just a matter of tossing in the chopped strawberry avocado quinoa salad ingredients.

Strawberry Chipotle Dressing

And, shaking up strawberry chipotle dressing in a jar.

Sweet and lightly spicy, this southwestern inspired strawberry chipotle glazed salmon is delicious and nutritious atop a quinoa salad packed with strawberries, spinach and avocado. Can be made ahead and also great for meal prep.
Holds up for meal prepping or packing for work lunch or picnic.

This inspired by the southwest quinoa salad is holds up well and can even be made the day before – or meal prepped and put into jars! For best results, stir in the avocado right before serving.

Serve the strawberry chipotle salmon filet atop the sweet-spicy quinoa salad. Or, you can also “chunk” up the salmon and stir into the salad. Tasty served warm, room temperature OR cold – making it an excellent meal prep salmon salad recipe.

Sitka Salmon Shares: Save $25 on most shares with code: FitFork

Thank you Sitka Salmon Shares for the amazing wild Alaskan salmon for this Coho salmon recipe. This “community supported fishery” seafood delivery is one of my favorite ways to keep my freezer stocked with premium fish and seafood that supports my active lifestyle. Owner-partner fishermen (and women) hit the cold Pacific waters around Alaska to responsibly source the best and tastiest Alaskan seafood. I I’m all about having quality proteins on hand so we won’t run out and eat junk. Order a Premium Share today and save $25 on your order with my code: FITFORK  (It’s SOOOOO worth it).

Creamy Coconut Lime Salmon Skillet is another one of my favorite Sitka Salmon Shares recipes using Coho salmon. This thai-inspired salmon dinner comes together on the stove top in just 15 minutes and is suitable for low carb diets.

Creamy Coconut Salmon Skillet
5 from 3 votes
STRAWBERRY CHIPOTLE SALMON ON QUINOA SALAD
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Calories: 498 kcal
Ingredients
For Fish:
  • 1 1 lb. boneless filet Coho salmon skin on
  • 3 tablespoons no-sugar-added strawberry preserves
  • 2 teaspoons Low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
For Salad:
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa from 2/3 cup dry
  • 1 medium avocado chopped,
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries
  • 1 cup packed chopped fresh spinach
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For dressing:
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons no-sugar-added strawberry preserves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Pat salmon filet dry and place skin side down in rimmed baking dish.
  2. Mix together preserves, chipotles, and soy sauce and spread across top of fish.
  3. Bake for about 20 minutes until fish flaky. Keep a close eye so that glaze doesn’t burn. Use a spoon to redistribute any run-off glaze halfway through baking and again when removing from oven.
  4. While fish is baking, toss together salad ingredients.
  5. Make dressing by shaking up dressing ingredients in jar. Mix into salad.
  6. Serve fish atop quinoa salad, either warm, room temperature or cold! All ways delicious.
  7. If desired can “chunk up” the salmon and mix into the salad.
Recipe Notes