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Mediterranean Salmon in a cast-iron skillet with lemony rice, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta crumbles, and fresh herbs

Mediterranean Salmon


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Mediterranean Salmon is a vibrant one-skillet dinner featuring paprika-seared salmon over lemony rice with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, olives, and herbed feta. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 2 lb salmon fillets (skin-on preferred)
  • 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

Mediterranean Rice

  • 1½ cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
  • 6 oz cherry tomatoes (about 1 cup), halved
  • ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup green olives, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for added richness)

Feta Mixture

 

  • 6 oz feta cheese, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (or more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
  • Fresh oregano, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Salmon

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
  2. Rub the top of the salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. Season with smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried parsley, red chili flakes, and salt.
  4. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet.
  5. Place salmon skin-side up and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes.
  6. Flip salmon skin-side down, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 more minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Separate salmon from skin and transfer flesh to a plate.
  8. Remove skins from skillet and wipe skillet clean.

2. Make the Mediterranean Rice

  1. Add cooked rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and olives to the skillet.
  2. Stir in lemon juice and heat over medium.
  3. Add optional olive oil if desired.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Feta Mixture

  1. In a bowl, combine feta, olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
  2. Toss gently to coat.

4. Assemble

  1. Stir half of the feta mixture into the rice.
  2. Return salmon to the skillet and warm through.
  3. Top with remaining feta mixture.
  4. Garnish with fresh oregano and serve.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist.
  • Brown rice or basmati can be substituted for jasmine rice.
  • Add fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
  • Taste before adding extra salt—olives and feta already add saltiness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with rice (¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg