Mediterranean Salmon (One-Pan, 30-Minute Meal)

Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this quick and easy one-pan salmon dish. Bursting with vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, and a delightful feta cheese mixture, this recipe delivers a healthy and delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Mediterranean Salmon will become a new family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 2 lb salmon fillets
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

For the Mediterranean Rice:

• 1.5 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 6 oz of cherry tomatoes, halved, using a mix of colors for variety
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives (sliced)
• 1/4 cup green olives (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the Feta Cheese Mixture:

• 6 oz feta cheese (diced into small cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• Fresh oregano for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried parsley, red chili flakes, and salt.
   • Rub the salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
2. Cook the Salmon:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the salmon fillets, skin side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
3. Prepare the Mediterranean Rice:
   • While the salmon is baking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
   • Add the cooked jasmine rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, green olives, and lemon juice.
4. Make the Feta Cheese Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine the diced feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Mix gently to combine.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Serve the Mediterranean rice on a large serving platter or individual plates.
   • Place the salmon fillets on top of the rice and spoon the feta cheese mixture over the salmon.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh oregano and additional lemon wedges if desired.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Salmon dish is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender salmon, savory Mediterranean rice, and a tangy feta cheese mixture creates a deliciously balanced dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and ease of this one-pan meal with your family tonight!