If you’re searching for a meal that’s equal parts bold, nourishing, and easy to throw together, let me introduce you to Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls! This vibrant bowl is my go-to when I crave something colorful and feel-good but still crave flavor with a punch. Sweet honey pairs with smoky harissa and flaky salmon for a star protein, while a quick herb slaw and creamy yogurt tie everything together over a bed of fluffy quinoa. In just about twenty-five minutes, you have a dish that’s as impressive for guests as it is doable for a weeknight dinner.

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls are a celebration of simplicity: each one brings a fresh kick of taste, texture, or color. Don’t skip the slaw or herbs—they give the dish its signature brightness and crunch!

Green cabbage: The crisp base for your slaw, though a bag of coleslaw mix also works for convenience.
Scallions: Their gentle onion bite livens up each forkful without overwhelming.
Soft herbs (cilantro, dill, parsley, basil): Use your favorites or a mix—herbs give the slaw lush flavor and fragrant freshness.
Lemon juice: Brings acidity to brighten and balance the slaw and the bowl overall.
Olive oil: You’ll use this for both the slaw and salmon for richness and a hint of fruitiness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning at every stage and making flavors pop.
Salmon filets: Opt for skinless, center-cut filets for juiciness and ease of serving.
Honey: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to contrast with the spicy harissa.
Harissa (spice, not paste): The heart of the recipe—choose a good-quality harissa spice blend for smoky heat.
Ground cumin: Rounds out the harissa’s flavor and gives depth to the salmon.
Cooked quinoa: A protein-packed grain base that soaks up all the juices and ties the bowls together.
Plain yogurt: The final cooling touch, offering creaminess and a subtle tang.

How to Make Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls

Step 1: Toss Together the Herb Slaw

Start by combining the shredded green cabbage, scallions, your favorite soft herbs, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a healthy pinch of kosher salt. Give everything a good toss in a big bowl and let it sit while you prepare the salmon. The citrus and oil will soften the cabbage and marry all those herby flavors—by the time you plate up, your slaw will be bright, crisp, and irresistibly aromatic.

Step 2: Season and Prep the Salmon

Pat your salmon filets dry, then lay them out on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle each generously with kosher salt for flavor. Pour over a drizzle of honey and olive oil, then dust with harissa spice and ground cumin. Here’s the fun part: use your fingers to rub the mixture into every nook and cranny. You want a well-coated, glistening piece of salmon that promises big flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Broil the Salmon

Preheat your broiler and make sure the oven rack is about six inches from the heat source for even, fast cooking. Slide in the salmon and broil for 6 to 8 minutes. Watch closely—broiling is fast! The top should caramelize and darken without burning, while the inside stays juicy and flaky. Thicker filets may need a minute or two more, but resist overcooking for the best texture.

Step 4: Build Your Bowls

Now the fun part: assemble your Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls. Scoop a mound of warm quinoa into each bowl, top with a handful of the slaw, and nestle that gorgeous harissa-rubbed salmon filet on top. Finish with a dollop of plain yogurt for cool contrast. Every spoonful should have a little of each element—nutty quinoa, spicy-sweet salmon, cooling yogurt, and juicy slaw.

How to Serve Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, scatter extra chopped herbs on top of each bowl. Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a crack of black pepper for even greater freshness. A drizzle of olive oil (or even a spoonful of leftover honey) can elevate the gloss and glamour just before serving.

Side Dishes

These bowls are satisfying all on their own, but if you love variety, try serving them with warm pita wedges, roasted sweet potatoes, or a tangy cucumber salad. Each of these sides complements the flavors of Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls and stretches the meal to feed a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your ingredients layer-style in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style look, or serve everything deconstructed on a big platter so everyone can build their own. For a lunch-friendly twist, pack the bowls in to-go containers with the yogurt in a separate little jar to keep things fresh until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls, store the components separately in airtight containers: slaw and quinoa in the fridge for up to 3 days, salmon and yogurt for 1-2 days. This keeps everything tasting bright and prevents the slaw or grains from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the broiled salmon on its own—just wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Leave the slaw, grains, and yogurt fresh, as they don’t thaw with the same texture. To reheat, thaw the salmon overnight in the fridge before warming.

Reheating

Warm leftover salmon gently in a low oven or microwave, just until heated through. Toss the quinoa with a splash of water and microwave, or re-steam it for fluffiness. Always keep the slaw and yogurt cold until you’re ready to serve for maximum crunch and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use harissa paste instead of the dry spice blend?

Absolutely! If you use harissa paste, use a little less than the specified dry spice and blend it well with the honey and oil before rubbing onto the salmon. The flavor will be a bit deeper and more pronounced.

What type of salmon works best for Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls?

Fresh, skinless center-cut salmon filets are ideal for even cooking and presentation, but you can substitute with frozen (thawed) salmon if that’s what you have. Just pat them dry well before seasoning.

Can I make these bowls dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite non-dairy plain yogurt or a dollop of tahini instead for that creamy finish. The rest of the ingredients in Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls are naturally dairy-free.

What can I use instead of quinoa?

Brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully as a base for Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls. Choose what you have or love most!

Is this recipe spicy?

With one teaspoon of harissa, the heat level is moderate—just enough to tingle without overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the harissa and adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls are one of those rare gems that manage to feel both wholesome and restaurant-worthy, all in under half an hour. If you haven’t tried this flavor-packed, vibrant bowl yet, I can’t recommend it enough—let it be your next craveable, go-to dinner!

Honey Harissa Salmon Quinoa Bowls Recipe