Description
Mediterranean Salmon with Rice and Chickpeas is a flavorful, nutritious dish packed with heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and aromatic spices. It features seared salmon fillets served over a bed of herbed rice mixed with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives
Instructions
- Season salmon fillets with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear salmon for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- Whisk together lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour over the rice mixture and toss to combine.
- Divide the rice salad between two plates and top each with a salmon fillet.
- Optional: garnish with feta cheese and kalamata olives before serving.
Notes
- Can be served warm or cold—great for meal prep or next-day lunch.
- Substitute quinoa for rice for added protein and fiber.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
- Add a dollop of tzatziki or hummus for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Mediterranean salmon, chickpea rice bowl, healthy fish recipe, lemon herb rice, salmon meal prep