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An extreme close-up of a pan-seared salmon fillet, seasoned with herbs and showing a perfectly flaky texture, part of a healthy salmon recipe.

Mediterranean Salmon and Rice: A 30-Minute Healthy Delight

This Mediterranean Salmon and Rice is the perfect healthy weeknight dinner! Flaky, pan-seared salmon, fluffy lemon-dill rice, and a fresh cucumber-tomato relish come together in just 30 minutes for a flavorful, balanced meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 6-ounce salmon fillets skin-on or off
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lemon juiced
For the Lemon Dill Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1/2 lemon zested and juiced
For the Cucumber Tomato Relish
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small cucumber finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely minced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Equipment

  • 1 Large non-stick skillet
  • 1 Medium Saucepan with Lid

Instructions
 

  1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the fresh dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  2. Prepare the Relish: While the rice cooks, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil and red wine vinegar. Pour over the vegetables and toss to combine.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon in the pan, skin-side up, and cook for 4-6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until done. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the fish in the final minute.
  4. Assemble and Serve: Divide the lemon dill rice among four bowls. Top with a salmon fillet and a generous spoonful of the cucumber-tomato relish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best crispy skin on your salmon, make sure the fillets are patted completely dry before seasoning and the pan is nice and hot.
Tip 2: Don't skip the fresh dill and lemon in the rice! It adds a layer of bright, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich salmon.
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