Lemony Salmon, Quinoa & White Bean Bowl
This high-protein, high-fiber dinner is designed for people on GLP-1 medications who struggle with constipation. Gentle lemon, soft textures, and magnesium-rich ingredients like quinoa and white beans support regularity without being heavy on the stomach.
Ingredients
- 220 g skinless salmon fillet — cut into 2 portions, any pin bones removed
- 180 g cooked quinoa — warm, fluffed with a fork
- 160 g canned white beans — drained and well rinsed
- 60 g baby spinach — roughly chopped
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil — divided use
- 60 g lemon — zested, then juiced (use both zest and juice)
- 80 ml low-sodium vegetable broth — room temperature
- 10 g ground flaxseed — ready to sprinkle
Instructions
- Pat the salmon portions dry and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper if tolerated; set aside while you prepare the base.
- In a medium non-stick pan over low-medium heat, add 10 ml of olive oil, the cooked quinoa, and the rinsed white beans; stir for 2–3 minutes until warm and lightly steamy but not sizzling.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and half of the lemon juice, then gently fold in the chopped spinach; cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach just wilts and the mixture is moist and soft, then spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Nestle the salmon portions on top of the quinoa-bean mixture, drizzle with the remaining 5 ml olive oil, sprinkle over the lemon zest, and cover the pan with a lid; cook on low heat for 8–10 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily.
- Turn off the heat, drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the salmon and base, then let stand covered for 2 minutes to finish steaming and remain very moist.
- Divide the quinoa, beans, and spinach between two shallow bowls, top each with a salmon portion, and sprinkle 5 g ground flaxseed over each serving just before eating.
Tips for GLP-1 users
Sip water or an electrolyte drink slowly with this meal and eat the soft quinoa and beans first; the combination of fluid, fiber, and magnesium-rich ingredients can help relieve GLP-1–related constipation without overwhelming your stomach.
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