Looking for a savory meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious? This Salmon Quinoa Bowl with Tart Cherries wraps vibrant flavors and sleep-supportive ingredients into dinner that’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re craving something wholesome after a busy day or just want to boost your nightly rest, this salmon quinoa bowl brings sleep-friendly goodness—no bedtime snack required.
I never set out to create a “sleep food,” but I believe that just like “there’s an app for that,” there’s a food for that. After digging into research about sleep for God’s Prescription and my post, How Sleep Affects Health, I realized there are definitely foods that support better sleep.
Good sleep is a gift, and Scripture affirms its importance:
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
(Psalm 4:8 NIV)
So, with Hippocrates’ philosophy, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” in mind, I set out to create a delicious dish with sleep-supportive ingredients and came up with this Salmon Quinoa Bowl with Tart Cherries.
Salmon Quinoa Bowl Ingredients and Their Benefits
This salmon quinoa bowl is packed with powerful ingredients that go far beyond flavor:
Greens:
Fresh greens like arugula are loaded with magnesium and folate (a B vitamin), essential for relaxation and nervous system health. Their high antioxidant content contributes to reducing inflammation and supporting overall wellness, making them an important part of a sleep-supportive diet.
Quinoa:
Quinoa is a nutrient-dense whole grain rich in magnesium and B vitamins, both of which play crucial roles in promoting mood stability and improving sleep quality. It’s also a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, which helps support muscle repair and balanced blood sugar levels—important for sustained energy and restful nights.
Salmon:
A rich source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon offers evening nourishment that supports all-night rest. The amino acids it provides help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote the production of neurotransmitters involved in relaxation and sleep, making it an ideal centerpiece for this restorative bowl.
Tart Cherries:
These anti-inflammatory gems are often used for gout relief. However, they also promote weight management, exercise recovery, improved heart health, healthy blood pressure, and brain longevity. Thanks to their natural melatonin and magnesium, they’re one of the best foods for gently supporting restful sleep and setting a healthy circadian rhythm.
Pumpkin Seeds:
These crunchy seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. Magnesium helps calm the nervous system and supports muscle relaxation, while zinc plays a role in immune function and sleep regulation. Pumpkin seeds add satisfying texture and boost the bowl’s overall nutrient profile.
Walnuts:
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and melatonin precursors, which together support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote restful sleep. Their healthy fats also contribute to lasting satiety and balanced blood sugar, making them a nourishing addition to the bowl.
Together, these ingredients support not only restful sleep but also a healthy gut—an essential part of overall wellness. A balanced gut helps produce serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood and relaxation. Serotonin also serves as a building block for melatonin, the hormone that regulates our natural sleep-wake cycle.
Best of all, this nourishing bowl comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Quick How-To Make Salmon Quinoa Bowls
Making this salmon quinoa bowl is simple:
- Rinse and toast your quinoa, then cook it as usual.
- Sear salmon fillets (or chicken if you prefer) until golden and flaky.
- Arrange fresh greens in bowls, then top with warm quinoa and salmon.
- Scatter on tart cherries, crunchy carrots, cucumbers, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.
- Drizzle with a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette and dig in!
FAQ: Salmon Quinoa Bowls
Can I meal prep salmon quinoa bowls?
Yes! Cook the quinoa and prep the toppings ahead of time. Cook salmon fresh for best flavor or prep it 1 day ahead.
Can I use chicken or turkey instead of salmon?
Absolutely. Both chicken breast and turkey are lean protein alternatives that help maintain the sleep-friendly balance of protein, grains, and tart cherries—plus turkey provides tryptophan, an amino acid linked to improved sleep quality.
What’s the best dressing for a salmon quinoa bowl?
A lemon-Dijon vinaigrette balances the richness of salmon while enhancing the tart cherries’ flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! You can swap salmon for chickpeas, lentils, black beans, or other mild legumes to keep the bowl nutrient-dense and satisfying. The quinoa provides a complete plant-based protein, helping to create a balanced, protein-rich meal.
Are tart cherries fresh or dried best for this recipe?
Dried tart cherries work well for convenience and concentrated flavor, but fresh tart cherries can be used, if available.
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Yes, brown rice or millet are good alternatives, though quinoa’s complete protein and nutrient profile make it especially beneficial.
Is this recipe suitable for weight management?
Definitely. It’s balanced with lean protein, fiber-rich grains, healthy fats, and natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that support metabolic health.
Get in the Kitchen!
With nourishing ingredients and simple steps, this Salmon Quinoa Bowl brings restful sleep within reach. Give it a try, and let me know how it transforms your dinner routine and nighttime rest! Now, let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking.
Salmon Tart Cherry Quinoa Power Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, (cooled or warm)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 salmon fillets, (about 5 ounces each; or chicken breast)
- 3 cups arugula, (or other greens)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried tart cherries
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- If not using precooked quinoa, rinse well under cold water to remove saponins. Toast in a dry saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add water or broth, then cook per package instructions.
- In a medium skillet, over medium-high heat, heat the avocado oil until hot but not smoking. Add the salmon to the skillet, skin side up. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the flesh is golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Flip the salmon so it is skin side down. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Arrange the greens in wide bowls and chop if necessary.
- Top with cooked quinoa, then salmon.
- Scatter tart cherries, carrots, cucumber, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts around the salmon in the bowl.
- Drizzle with the vinaigrette and enjoy!
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.