Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli

A delicious and balanced meal prep box filled with flaky salmon, fluffy couscous, and crispy roasted broccoli finished with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs. This Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli is perfect for busy weekdays or meal prepping for the week ahead. It stands out for its ease of preparation, vibrant flavors, and nutritional balance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes total time, you can whip up this nutritious meal.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from salmon and fiber from broccoli, it supports healthy eating.
• Flavorful: The combination of roasted vegetables and seasoned salmon creates a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a lunchbox option or a quick dinner; it’s suitable for any occasion.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Easily portioned into containers, making it ideal for weekly meal planning.

Tools and Preparation

To make this tasty Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Measuring cups
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: This is crucial for roasting the broccoli evenly, ensuring it gets crispy.
• Mixing bowl: Use this for tossing the broccoli with olive oil and seasonings to enhance flavor.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing the couscous after cooking to achieve that light texture.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 1 salmon fillet (~150g)

For the Couscous

• 1 cup couscous (dry)

For the Broccoli

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder (to taste)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedge (optional)

How to Make Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Couscous

1. Boil 1 cup water in a saucepan with a pinch of salt.
2. Stir in couscous, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Fluff the couscous with a fork once done.

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

1. Preheat your oven to 200C (400F).
2. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
3. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

1. Season your salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil.
2. Bake at 180C (350F) for 12-15 minutes or pan-sear until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 4: Assemble the Box

1. Layer cooked couscous at the base of your meal prep container.
2. Place the roasted broccoli on one side and top it off with the salmon fillet.
3. Add some fresh parsley as garnish and include a lemon wedge if desired before sealing your container.

Enjoy your flavorful Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli!

How to Serve Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli

This meal prep is not only nutritious but also versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways to keep your meals exciting throughout the week.

Pairing with Fresh Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad: Combine fresh greens like spinach and arugula with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A refreshing option that adds crunch; toss chopped cucumbers and tomatoes with lemon juice.

Adding Sauces or Dressings

• Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based sauce adds creaminess and complements the flavors of salmon beautifully.
• Chimichurri: A zesty sauce made from parsley, garlic, and olive oil that enhances the meal’s freshness.

Serving with Grains

• Quinoa: Swap couscous for quinoa for a nutty flavor and additional protein.
• Farro: This ancient grain offers a chewy texture and pairs well with the salmon.

How to Perfect Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli

To make your Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli even better, consider these simple tips.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Marinate the salmon in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking to infuse more flavor.
• Even Cooking: Ensure all broccoli florets are similar in size for even roasting; this helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Fluffy Couscous: After cooking, let the couscous sit covered for an extra minute before fluffing to ensure it’s light and airy.
• Store Properly: Use airtight containers for meal prep to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli

Pairing your meal prep with side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements savory salmon perfectly; simply season and roast until tender.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a pop of color and freshness; drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.
4. Quinoa Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made from quinoa, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon; it’s light yet filling.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil is a low-carb alternative that pairs well with salmon.
6. Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic offers a nutrient-rich, vibrant side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your meal is perfect.

• Overcooking the Salmon: Cooking salmon for too long can make it dry. Use a timer and check for doneness around 12 minutes.
• Not Fluffing Couscous: If you skip fluffing the couscous after cooking, it can become clumpy. Always use a fork to separate the grains.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland meals. Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and herbs for flavor.
• Skipping the Lemon: A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. Don’t forget to add it just before serving for enhanced taste.
• Using Stale Ingredients: Fresh ingredients matter! Check dates on couscous and herbs; using fresh ones makes a huge difference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow everything to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli

• Freeze in individual portions for easy access later.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat to 180C (350F) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1 minute) until heated evenly throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a non-stick pan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about the Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How can I customize my Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Switching up the herbs can also change the flavor profile significantly.

Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Yes! This recipe works well with trout or tilapia if you prefer a different type of fish.

Is this meal prep healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from salmon and fiber from broccoli and couscous, making it a nutritious choice.

How do I ensure my broccoli stays crispy?

Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet when roasting. This allows hot air to circulate and keeps them crispy.

Final Thoughts

The Salmon & Couscous Meal Prep with Roasted Broccoli is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes meal prepping easy and enjoyable. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or changing up the spices. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!