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Omega-3 fats from salmon, folate-rich leafy greens, and slow-burning quinoa make this the classic brain-food lunch — the meal researchers point to when they talk about eating for long-term cognitive health.

Ingredient Metrics (Serves 1)

IngredientQuantity
Salmon fillet, skin on5 oz (140 g)
Baby spinach and kale mix2 cups (60 g)
Quinoa, rinsed⅓ cup (60 g)
Water⅔ cup (160 ml)
Avocado, sliced½ medium
Cherry tomatoes, halved½ cup (75 g)
Olive oil1 Tbsp (15 ml)
Lemon (juice)½ lemon
Black pepper¼ tsp (1.25 ml)

Kitchen Preparation Science

  1. Combine the quinoa and water in a small pot, bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low, and cook for 12 minutes. Rest off the heat, then fluff.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until crisp, flip, and cook 2–3 minutes more until just opaque. Squeeze the lemon over the top in the final minute.
  3. Toss the greens with the olive oil and black pepper, then assemble the bowl: greens, quinoa, flaked salmon, avocado, and tomatoes.

Kitchen science: Serving the greens raw preserves their folate — a B vitamin that heat degrades — and the olive oil in the dressing helps your body absorb the fat-soluble nutrients from both the greens and the avocado.

Allergens: Contains fish.

Swerve/Alternative Option: Swap the salmon for 5 oz (140 g) of baked cod, or replace the quinoa with ½ cup (90 g) of cooked brown rice.