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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Salmon Ingredients: 1 fresh salmon fillet 1 cup of quinoa 1 ripe avocado, diced 2 cups of baby spinach 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons of olive oil Juice of one lemon A handful of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled Instructions Step 1: Preparing the Quinoa Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitter outer coating. In a medium-sized pot, add the quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for around 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and becomes fluffy. Let the quinoa cool down for a bit. Quinoa is a fantastic gluten-free grain that is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy base for our Mediterranean salad. Step 2: Grilling the Salmon Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Brush the salmon fillet with a bit of olive oil and place it on the grill. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it's cooked to your desired level. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest. Salmon is a lean source of protein and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. The grilling process will give it a nice char and smoky flavor that pairs well with our fresh salad. Step 3: Assembling the Salad In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced avocado, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped basil to create a light, tangy dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine. Each ingredient contributes unique flavors and nutritional benefits: avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, spinach provides iron and vitamins, tomatoes add a juicy sweetness, olives bring a tangy saltiness (keeping the dish low-sodium), and feta adds a briny flavor and creamy texture. The lemon-basil dressing enhances all these flavors with its bright, fresh notes. Step 4: Serving To serve, divide the quinoa salad between plates. Top each with a portion of the grilled salmon. The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Grilled Salmon is a nutritious, flavorful dish that aligns with the Mediterranean diet's principles: high in vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. It's also gluten-free and low-sodium, catering to the specified dietary restrictions. Enjoy!