Mediterranean Salmon with Lemon Rice and Chickpeas

🐟 Mediterranean Salmon with Lemon Rice & Chickpeas

🍽️ Servings:

2–3 people

⏱️ Prep Time:

15 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time:

20 minutes

🧂 Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Lemon Rice:

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt to taste

For the Chickpeas:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley or dill (chopped)

• Crumbled feta cheese

• Cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

   • Pat salmon dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Sear salmon for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden and flaky.

   • Squeeze lemon juice on top and set aside.

2. Make the Lemon Rice:

   • Rinse rice and cook it in broth according to package instructions.

   • When done, stir in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Fluff with a fork.

3. Cook the Chickpeas:

   • In a pan, heat olive oil and add chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Sauté for 5–7 minutes until lightly crispy.

4. Assemble the Bowl:

   • Layer lemon rice at the bottom.

   • Add crispy chickpeas and top with salmon.

   • Garnish with feta, herbs, and fresh veggies.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
👉 Yes, but it won’t have the same texture. Fresh or frozen fillets give the best flavor.

Q2: How can I make this meal vegetarian?
👉 Skip the salmon and top with grilled halloumi or roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

Q3: Can I make the rice ahead of time?
👉 Absolutely. Lemon rice stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Q4: What other grains can I use instead of rice?
👉 You can swap rice with quinoa, couscous, or bulgur for a Mediterranean twist.

Q5: How do I know the salmon is cooked perfectly?
👉 The flesh should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).