Salmon rice bowl, Mediterranean style! With succulent salmon, fragrant rice, and a refreshing salad, this dish offers a versatile blend of flavors, making it the perfect meal for any day.

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If you love salmon recipes, today’s recipe is for you! Similar to my Mediterranean oven baked salmon and broiled salmon, this recipe is simple, packed with a lot of flavor and of course, easy to make. From the Mediterranean tomato-cucumber veggie mix, to the marinated salmon and dill-infused rice, this bowl is packed with flavor. The inspiration for the rice comes from my Dill Rice with Peas which is a classic Iranian dish.

Recipe Highlights: Mediterranean Salmon Rice Bowl

Cultural Influence: Embracing the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, this rice bowl offers a combo of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices.

Primary Cooking Technique: The salmon is seared to infuse each bite with a delicate smokiness and moist tenderness. Also, the rice is cooked to absorb the fragrances of dill and lemon.

Dominant Flavor Profile: The blend of oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric creates perfect Mediterranean flavors. With the tangy zest of sumac and the earthy richness of olive oil, the flavors are next level.

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly and versatile. This recipe is accessible to cooks of all levels, and perfect for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vibrant Flavors: Enjoy the bright and bold flavors of the Mediterranean with every bite of this delectable salmon rice bowl.

Healthy and Wholesome: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and minerals, making this dish both delicious and nourishing.

Easy Preparation: With simple cooking techniques and readily available ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a wholesome meal without the hassle.

Customizable and Versatile: You can customize this rice bowl to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile and adaptable dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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Key Ingredients

• Salmon: The star of this dish is salmon. You can use coho, Atlantic or sockeye salmon for this recipe. While wild caught is always preferred, farm raised would work just fine. Both fresh or frozen salmon can be used, keeping in mind that if using frozen, you need to let it thaw completely. It’s best to use skinless salmon to make these dinner bowls.

• Spices (Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric): This blend of Mediterranean-inspired spices adds depth and complexity to the salmon. It works to infuse it with aromatic flavor and vibrant color.

• Rice: A staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, rice serves as the hearty base of this bowl. Moreover, it offers a satisfying texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements the savory salmon and fresh vegetables.

• Fresh Vegetables (Tomatoes, Cucumbers): Bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the rice bowl, enhancing its nutritional value and visual appeal.

• Sumac: A tangy and citrusy spice, sumac adds a unique zing to the vegetable medley. Furthermore, it balances the flavors and elevates the overall taste profile of the dish.

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How to Make a Mediterranean Salmon Rice Bowl

If you’ve prepped things ahead of time, this process will move much quicker! If not, no problem. There’s nothing complicated about this bowl.

Step 1: Make the rice

Mix the rice with dill weed, olive oil and salt. Top with 1 1/2 cup water. Cook until rice is ready. Top with lemon

Step 2: Prepare the salmon

Cut the salmon into bite size pieces (cubes) and mix with olive oil and all the spices.

Step 3: Sear the salmon bites

While rice is cooking, sear salmon cubes on every side until fully cooked.

Step 4: Make the cucumber tomato salad

Mix the cucumbers and tomatoes with the dressing. After rice is cooked and cooled, add some to the bowl and serve veggie mix on the side of the bowl.

Final Step

Add the cooked salmon and any dressing you’re using along with garnish and serve.

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Meal Prep Tips

Here is how you can meal prep this Mediterranean simple salmon rice bowl:

Prep the Salmon: Marinate the salmon in the spice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish, resulting in a more flavorful dish when cooked.

Cook Rice in Advance: Cook a batch of rice in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When ready to assemble the rice bowl, simply reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, saving you time during meal preparation.

Prepare the Vegetable Medley: Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies you’ll use ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, mix your dressing and put in an airtight container in the fridge separately as well. Mix the vegetables with the dressing just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp. Alternatively, you can make my Middle Eastern chopped salad which would go so well with this dinner bowl.

Make Tzatziki or Green Goddess Dressing: Whip up a batch of tzatziki or green goddess dressing and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Having the dressing ready to go makes it easy to add a burst of flavor to your rice bowl whenever you’re ready to enjoy it.

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Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

• Perfectly Cooked Salmon: To ensure perfectly cooked salmon, sear it in a hot pan for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the cubes. Look for a golden-brown crust on the outside while the inside remains flaky.

• Get Your Air Fryer To Work: You can cook the salmon bites in the air fryer if preferred. Arrange them in the basket in one layer and cook them at 375 F for 10 minutes until crispy and golden.

• Enhance the Veggies: For an extra burst of flavor, toss the chopped vegetables with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses before serving. It adds a tangy, yet sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the tomatoes and cucumbers.

• Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to customize your Mediterranean salmon rice bowl with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Try adding olives, roasted red peppers, or crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

• Batch Cooking: Consider batch-cooking the rice and salmon in advance and storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to assemble a quick and nutritious meal whenever you’re short on time or need a healthy option for lunch or dinner.

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Variations and Substitutes

Cooking Options: If you don’t want to pan-sear your salmon, you can bake it in the oven, grill it, or air fry it.

Grain Choices: Experiment with different grains like orzo, couscous, freekeh or bulgur as a base for your rice bowl to add variety and nutrition to your meal.

Vegetable Varieties: Mix and match your favorite vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Consider adding bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or roasted eggplant for extra flavor and texture.

Dressing Alternatives: Instead of tzatziki or green goddess dressing, try topping your rice bowl with hummus, tahini sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

Herb Substitutions: Don’t have dill weed on hand? Feel free to use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint to garnish your rice bowl and add a burst of freshness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Storage

Salmon: Ensure the salmon is completely cooled before refrigerating. Store any leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat the salmon in the oven at 300 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing cooked salmon as the flavor and texture would change.

Rice: Transfer leftover cooked rice to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4-6 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Vegetables: If you have leftover chopped vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Enjoy them as a refreshing salad or use them as a topping for other dishes throughout the week.

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Other Salmon Recipes To Try

Mediterranean recipes

Pan Seared Salmon Recipe

Mediterranean recipes

Oven Baked Salmon with Olives and Capers

Mediterranean recipes

Dijon Salmon Recipe

Mediterranean recipes

Best Salmon Marinade, Mediterranean Style

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