Preparation :

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

First, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, in a small pot, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Afterward, add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let the quinoa simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it is cooked and fluffy. Finally, remove it from the heat and let it rest. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to make it light and airy.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Cream

Meanwhile, prepare the avocado cream. In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocado using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Next, stir in lime juice and minced garlic for a fresh, tangy flavor. If you want extra creaminess, add Greek yogurt at this stage. Then, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, cover and refrigerate the avocado cream to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Grill the Salmon

While the avocado cream chills, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil to ensure they don’t stick to the grill. Then, sprinkle them evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt for a robust seasoning. Afterward, place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are slightly charred and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before assembling the stack.

Assembling and Serving the Salmon Stack

Step 4: Assemble the Stack

Now that all components are ready, it’s time to assemble. First, on each serving plate, lay down a bed of cooked quinoa and baby spinach. Then, place the grilled salmon fillet on top of the quinoa and spinach layer. After that, spoon a generous amount of avocado cream over the salmon. Finally, garnish the stack with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra color and flavor.

Step 5: Serve

To complete the dish, serve it with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of fresh citrus flavor. This final touch perfectly complements the richness of the avocado cream and salmon. Enjoy this balanced, nutritious, and flavorful meal!