This Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice recipe is your new weeknight go-to for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal. Imagine perfectly flaky salmon, seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs, resting on a bed of bright, zesty lemon rice. It’s a complete, restaurant-quality dish made in the comfort of your own kitchen with minimal cleanup. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, you’ve found it.
We’re bringing the heart-healthy benefits of Mediterranean cuisine right to your dinner table. This dish is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors that will transport you to a sun-drenched seaside cafe. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests.
Why This Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice Recipe Works
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its simplicity and incredible taste. It’s a true one-pan wonder, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. The salmon steams to perfection on top of the rice, infusing every grain with its savory juices.
The lemon and fresh dill brighten up the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the salmon. It’s a perfectly balanced meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. For another fantastic salmon dish, you should try our Easy Baked Salmon in Foil.
Key Ingredients for Success
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice.
- Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh, high-quality salmon. Skin-on or skinless both work well for this recipe.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Washed thoroughly to remove excess starch, which is key for fluffy rice.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides more flavor than water alone.
- Lemon: We’ll use both the zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Fresh Dill: A classic herb pairing for salmon that adds a fresh, slightly tangy taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking.
- Seasonings: Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are all you need.
- Kalamata Olives & Cherry Tomatoes: These add a briny, sweet burst of flavor and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof meal.
1. Prepare the Rice Base
Start by rinsing your rice until the water runs clear. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the rice, toasting it lightly for a minute. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper, then bring it to a simmer.
2. Season and Add the Salmon
While the rice mixture comes to a simmer, pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil and season generously with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Once the rice is simmering, nestle the salmon fillets into the rice. Scatter the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the salmon.
3. Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or foil and transfer it to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked, the liquid is absorbed, and the salmon is flaky and cooked through. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh dill, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad like a classic Greek horiatiki salad.
Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Salmon and Rice
To ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice: This is crucial for achieving fluffy, separate grains of rice rather than a sticky clump.
- Use a Good Skillet: An oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) is essential for a true one-pan meal.
- Check for Doneness: Salmon can overcook quickly. Check it at the 15-minute mark. It should flake easily with a fork.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving lets the rice finish steaming and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add More Veggies: Stir in some spinach or chopped artichoke hearts with the rice for an extra nutrient boost.
- Change the Herbs: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried thyme would also be delicious.
- Add a Bit of Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice, subtle heat.
- Try a Different Grain: Quinoa or orzo can be used instead of rice, though cooking times may vary. If you enjoy orzo, you’ll love this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use a microwave or gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Absolutely! This recipe would also work well with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to ensure it gets a nice texture.
The best way to tell is by checking for doneness with a fork. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at its thickest point.
Yes, it’s a very healthy dish. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The entire meal is packed with fresh ingredients, lean protein, and healthy fats, aligning perfectly with the principles of the Mediterranean diet.
This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Enjoy Your Delicious Meal!
We hope you love this simple yet elegant Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice. It’s a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and rate the recipe below. For more delicious inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice
Mediterranean Salmon Lemon Rice: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, place the seasoned salmon fillets into the rice mixture. Scatter the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the salmon. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or foil.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh dill, and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure your salmon fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking.
