Baked Herb Salmon with Avocado Sauce over Quinoa

After a great day, what better way to end it than with a great meal! I had been thinking about this dish ever since I downloaded the interactive Giada De Laurentiis healthy recipes. Love her! I love putting my own twist on dishes. 

Pre heat the oven to 450. For Quinoa: 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water (to make your quinoa super tasty use vegetable or chicken broth in lieu of water). Bring to boil and let all water absorb.

For Avocado Sauce: In a food processor add 1/2 avocado diced, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, 1/8 kosher salt, 1/8 ground pepper, add 2 tablespoons water and process til smooth. Cover the dressing for 15 minutes to an hour for the flavors to blend.

For Salmon: Whisk together the oil, chopped basil, chives, salt and pepper. Brush salmon with mixture.  Place salmon, skin side down, on a non-stick baking sheet.  Bake for about 12-15 until cooked through.

Nice way to spruce up a simple meal!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Quinoa: 1 cup quinoa

             2 cup water

Avocado sauce: 

             1/2 avocado

             2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

             1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

             1 small minced garlic clove

             1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 

             1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

             1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

             1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Salmon:

             4 (4-ounce) salmon fillets with skin

             2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

             1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil leaves

             1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

             1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

             1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper