Mediterranean Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes using a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Nutritious: Packed with protein from salmon and fiber from chickpeas, offering a balanced meal.
  • Flavorful: Combines savory, tangy, and fresh elements for a harmonious taste experience.
  • Versatile: Easily adaptable with different grains or vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb salmon fillets
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1.5 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
  • 6 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup green olives, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 6 oz feta cheese, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh oregano for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Salmon:
    • In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried parsley, red chili flakes, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create a seasoning mixture.
    • Rub this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
  2. Cook the Salmon:
    • Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
    • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot skillet.
    • Place the salmon fillets skin side up and cook on medium-high heat for 4 minutes without moving them.
    • Carefully flip the salmon to skin side down and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
    • Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Mediterranean Rice:
    • In the same skillet, add the cooked jasmine rice, drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata and green olives, and 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
    • Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Add Feta Cheese:
    • In a small bowl, mix the diced feta cheese with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano.
    • Gently fold this feta mixture into the rice and chickpea mixture in the skillet.
  5. Combine and Serve:
    • Place the cooked salmon fillets on top of the Mediterranean rice mixture in the skillet.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh oregano if desired.
    • Serve warm, ensuring each serving includes both salmon and the flavorful rice mixture.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
  • Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
  • Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
  • Total Time: About 30 minutes.

Variations

  • Grains: Substitute jasmine rice with couscous, orzo, or small-shaped pasta for a different texture.
  • Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the dish’s nutritional profile.
  • Protein: Replace salmon with other fish like trout, halibut, cod, or sea bass if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave, heating in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

How can I tell if the salmon is cooked properly?

The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but note that it has a longer cooking time and a denser texture compared to jasmine rice.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it convenient for meal prepping.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese or ricotta salata can serve as good substitutes for feta cheese in this recipe.


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Mediterranean Salmon


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Mediterranean Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets paired with jasmine rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Infused with lemon and oregano, this one-pan meal is gluten-free, high in protein, and ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!


Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 2 lb salmon fillets
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mediterranean Rice:

  • 1.5 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
  • 6 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup green olives, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Feta Mixture:

  • 6 oz feta cheese, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh oregano sprigs

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

  • In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried parsley, red chili flakes, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the salmon fillets.

2. Cook the Salmon:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet.
  • Place salmon fillets skin side up and cook for 4 minutes without moving them.
  • Flip the salmon to skin side down and cook for another 4 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  • Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Mediterranean Rice:

  • In the same skillet, add cooked jasmine rice, drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata and green olives, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
  • Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Add the Feta Cheese Mixture:

  • In a small bowl, combine diced feta cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • Gently fold the feta mixture into the rice and chickpea mixture.

5. Combine and Serve:

  • Place the cooked salmon fillets on top of the Mediterranean rice.
  • Garnish with fresh oregano if desired.
  • Serve warm, ensuring each serving includes both salmon and rice.

Notes

  • Grains: Swap jasmine rice for couscous, quinoa, or orzo for a different texture.
  • Vegetables: Add artichokes, asparagus, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
  • Protein: Try using trout, halibut, cod, or sea bass instead of salmon.
  • Dairy-Free: Omit feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star