I honestly cannot get enough of this Mediterranean salmon bowl Recipe lately because it is the perfect combination of fresh, zesty, and satisfying flavors all in one dish. It reminds me of those breezy summer dinners where you want something light but still filling enough to keep you going, much like how comforting flavors come together in the Stuffed Mushroom Dip Recipe.

The way the savory spiced salmon pairs with the cool, creamy yogurt sauce and crisp veggies is just magic. I love how simple it is to throw together, making it my go-to for busy weeknights when I crave something nutritious. Trust me, once you try this vibrant mix of textures and tastes, you will want to put it on your weekly rotation immediately.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here is everything required to pull this delicious bowl together, along with a few specific tips on why I choose these particular items.

1.1 lbs Salmon fillets: Aim for about 4 fillets cut into 1-inch cubes because this size ensures they cook quickly and get crispy edges.
1 teaspoon Paprika: This adds a lovely mild smokiness and color to the fish without making it spicy.
1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Using powder here instead of fresh ensures it coats the fish evenly and doesn’t burn under the broiler.
1 teaspoon Dried oregano: This is essential for that classic earthy Mediterranean flavor profile we are aiming for.
1 tablespoon Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always better than bottled for a brighter, cleaner acidity.
1 tablespoon Honey: A touch of sweetness helps caramelize the salmon edges and balances the acidity.
2/3 teaspoon Salt: Sea salt works best here to bring out all the natural flavors of the fish.
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a nice little kick of heat to the marinade.
1 cup Uncooked white rice: Long-grain white rice is a fluffy, neutral base that soaks up the juices perfectly.
2 cups Water: This is standard for cooking the rice, but you could swap it for broth for more flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Salt for rice: Don’t forget to season your cooking water or the base of your bowl will be bland.
1 Lebanese cucumber: These are superior because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers.
2 Medium tomatoes: Look for firm, ripe tomatoes that will hold their shape when diced into the salad.
1 Red bell pepper: I prefer red over green for its natural sweetness and vibrant color in the bowl.
1/4 Red onion: Slice this very thinly so it provides a zesty bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the salad dressing as you will taste it.
1 tablespoon Lemon juice for salad: This acts as the acid in your simple vinaigrette to dress the veggies.
1 cup Greek yogurt: Stick to plain, full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt for the richest, creamiest sauce texture.
2 Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here for that punchy, authentic sauce flavor.
1 tablespoon Fresh dill: Fresh herbs are crucial for the sauce; dried dill simply won’t have the same brightness.
1 tablespoon Fresh parsley: Chop this finely to add specks of color and a fresh, grassy note to the yogurt.
1/2 cup Crumbled feta: Buy a block of feta in brine and crumble it yourself for the best moist texture.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings based on the quantities listed above.

Variations to Try

If you are looking to make this dairy-free, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a coconut-based yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative, and omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta. For a lower-sugar version, you can leave the honey out of the salmon marinade entirely; the paprika and garlic will still provide plenty of flavor on their own.

If you want to boost the nutritional value, replace the white rice with quinoa, farro, or brown rice for extra fiber and a nuttier texture. Finally, if you love spice, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the salmon seasoning will give the dish a wonderful kick, similar to how bold flavors are layered in the Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe.

Cooking Time

Planning your meal is easier when you know exactly how much time you need to set aside.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need a professional kitchen to make this, just a few standard tools will get the job done efficiently.

Baking sheet: Used for arranging the salmon cubes in a single layer for even broiling.
Parchment paper or foil: Essential for lining the baking sheet to ensure easy cleanup afterwards.
Medium saucepan: Needed to cook the rice until it is perfectly fluffy and tender.
Mixing bowls: You will need a few sizes for marinating salmon, mixing salad, and making sauce.
Sharp knife: Crucial for safely and cleanly dicing the vegetables and cutting the salmon skin.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for all your vegetable and protein preparation.
Whisk or fork: Used to blend the yogurt sauce ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

How to Make Mediterranean Salmon Bowl

Follow these simple steps to build your bowl, focusing on fresh preparation and timing for the best results.

Marinate the Salmon Bites

Start by cutting your salmon fillets into uniform 1-inch cubes and placing them into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to the fish. Toss everything gently until the salmon is thoroughly coated and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

Cook the Fluffy Rice Base

Rinse your white rice under cold water several times until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Prepare the Fresh Vegetable Salad

While the rice is cooking, dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Finely slice the red onion and toss all the vegetables in a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors meld together while you finish the rest of the cooking.

Broil the Salmon to Perfection

Preheat your oven’s broiler to high and arrange the marinated salmon cubes on a lined baking sheet. Broil them for about 7 to 8 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time. You want them to be opaque and cooked through with slightly crispy, caramelized edges.

Mix the Herby Yogurt Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and fresh parsley. Stir in the salt and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning if you prefer more salt or herbs. This creamy element ties the hot salmon and cold salad together perfectly.

Assemble Your Mediterranean Bowl

To serve, spoon a generous portion of the fluffy rice into the bottom of your serving bowls. Top the rice with a scoop of the fresh salad and a serving of the hot broiled salmon bites. Finish it off with a dollop of yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I have learned a few tricks after making this dish dozens of times that really elevate the final result.

I always ensure my salmon is completely dry before adding the oil and spices because moisture prevents that nice crust from forming.
I recommend cutting the veggies into very small, uniform pieces so you get a little bit of everything in every single bite.
I like to make the yogurt sauce first and let it sit in the fridge for 20 minutes so the garlic and herb flavors really bloom.
I find that using a block of feta in brine and crumbling it myself tastes infinitely better and less dry than the pre-crumbled stuff.
I sometimes squeeze a little extra fresh lemon juice over the finished bowl right before eating to wake up all the flavors.

How to Serve Mediterranean Salmon Bowl

Presentation makes the meal feel special, so here is how to plate this up beautifully.

These bowls look fantastic when you arrange the ingredients in distinct sections over the rice rather than mixing it all up immediately. Place the vibrant salad on one side, the golden salmon on the other, and dollop the stark white sauce right in the center for contrast. You can garnish the dish with extra sprigs of fresh dill or parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing. If you want to add some crunch, serving this with some toasted pita bread or pita chips on the side adds a wonderful texture contrast.

Nutritional Information

This meal is as nutritious as it is delicious, offering a great balance of macronutrients.

Calories: ~580 kcal
Protein: ~47g
Carbohydrates: ~54g
Fat: ~19g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is surprisingly friendly for meal prep if you store the components correctly.

Refrigerator Storage

You can store the cooked salmon and rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the salad veggies separate from the dressing to prevent them from getting soggy, and store the yogurt sauce in its own small jar for 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions

While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked salmon and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. I do not recommend freezing the fresh salad or the yogurt sauce, as their textures will be ruined upon thawing.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, warm the salmon and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist. Assemble the bowl by adding the cold fresh salad, yogurt sauce, and feta cheese after the hot components are warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are the top reasons this Mediterranean Salmon Bowl is going to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Incredible Flavor Balance: You get savory spices, sweet honey, tangy yogurt, and salty feta all in one bite.
High Protein & Healthy: It is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s from the salmon and plenty of lean protein to keep you full.
Highly Customizable: It is easy to swap the grains or veggies based on what you have in your pantry.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The components store well separately, making it an excellent option for work lunches.
Quick & Easy: With less than an hour from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule.

Ash Tyrrell