Description
This Mediterranean Salmon Bowl offers a vibrant and healthy meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Featuring oven-baked salmon seasoned with dill and lemon, paired beautifully with a fresh vegetable medley and tangy feta, all topped with a zesty za’atar garlic dressing. It’s a flavorful, nutrient-rich dish inspired by Mediterranean cuisine that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 16 ounces salmon (cut into 4 even pieces)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Salad
- 1 5-ounce lettuce mix
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/2 English cucumber (diced)
- 5 green onions (green and white parts chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 teaspoon za’atar (or seasoning of your choice)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon filets evenly on the prepared sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Salmon: Brush each salmon piece with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then drizzle the lemon juice over them. Sprinkle the dried dill, salt, and pepper evenly atop each filet for robust flavor.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness, typically about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. The salmon is done when its thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily.
- Flake the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the oven and using a fork, gently flake it into large chunks. Place these chunks in a bowl and set aside.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the lettuce mix, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, chopped roasted red peppers, sliced kalamata olives, diced cucumber, chopped green onions, and parsley among four serving bowls. Add the flaked salmon evenly on top of the salad ingredients.
- Make and Add Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and za’atar seasoning. Shake or whisk well until the dressing is emulsified. Drizzle this dressing generously over each salmon bowl just before serving. Enjoy your wholesome Mediterranean meal!
Notes
- For perfectly cooked salmon, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part.
- Za’atar can be substituted with other Mediterranean spices like oregano or thyme if unavailable.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more people.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh herbs where possible for best flavor, but dried parsley can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
