Mediterranean Bowl With Salmon Recipe
Make Mediterranean Bowl With Salmon Recipe for a quick, vibrant dinner with roasted salmon, quinoa, and tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup quinoa or brown rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven and season the salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry, rub them lightly with olive oil, and season generously with salt and cracked black pepper so the surface will caramelize in the heat. Place the seasoned fillets on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a light brush of oil so they're ready to go into the oven.
Step 2: Roast the salmon until just cooked
Slide the salmon into the hot oven and roast for about 12–15 minutes, until the exterior is set and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes so juices redistribute—this keeps the texture tender and glossy rather than dry.
Step 3: Rinse the grain and bring liquid to a boil
Rinse the quinoa (or brown rice) in cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium pot bring the water or broth to a rolling boil, then add the rinsed grain and reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer; cover and let it cook until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender.
Step 4: Simmer and finish the grains
Allow the quinoa or rice to simmer undisturbed for the recommended time (typically 15–20 minutes). When the grains are cooked through and plump, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a minute, then fluff the grains with a fork to separate the kernels and release steam for a light, airy texture.
Step 5: Prep the fresh vegetables
While the grains cook, halve the cherry tomatoes so they burst with color, dice the cucumber into small, crisp cubes, thinly slice the red onion into delicate ribbons, and halve or slice the Kalamata olives. Keep each component in small bowls or dishes to keep the textures distinct and bright.
Step 6: Whisk together the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified. The dressing should be glossy and thin enough to coat without weighing down the salad—aromatic and tangy, it will knit the vegetables and grains together.
Step 7: Toss grains, vegetables and dressing into a cohesive salad
Combine the fluffed quinoa or rice with the prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and sliced olives in a large matte ceramic bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss gently so the glossy dressing clings to individual grains and vegetable pieces; you should see glossy quinoa strands, jewel-like tomato halves, and briny olive slices interspersed with translucent onion ribbons.
Step 8: Portion the grain salad and arrange the vegetables
Divide the dressed grain salad between serving bowls, using a spoon to create a gentle nest in each bowl. Arrange a few extra halved tomatoes and cucumber pieces on top for visual contrast and texture, leaving room in the center for the salmon.
Step 9: Top with roasted salmon, feta, and herbs
Place a warm roasted salmon fillet on each bowl, either whole or lightly flaked so the tender layers show. Drizzle a touch more dressing if needed, then scatter 1/4 cup crumbled feta over the bowls and finish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous lift.
Step 10: Serve immediately and present with a lemon wedge
Finish each bowl with a lemon wedge tucked to the side and serve immediately while the salmon is warm and the grains are still airy and glossy—this contrast of warm salmon and cool crisp vegetables is the hallmark of the bowl.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter coating.
- Rest the salmon a few minutes after roasting for juicier fillets.
- Store salad components separately to preserve texture.
- Use a jar to shake the dressing for easy emulsification.
- Warm salmon gently in a low oven rather than the microwave to avoid drying.