Mediterranean Greek-Style Salmon Bowl with Brown Rice & Village Salad
This bowl brings together the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Greek village salad with hearty brown rice and perfectly seasoned salmon. The combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and creamy feta pairs beautifully with lemon-oregano salmon and a wholesome rice base. It’s balanced, nourishing, and comes together quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner that tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1–2 (easily scaled up)
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
200g (7 oz) salmon fillet, cut into chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & black pepper
For the Greek Salad:
½ cup cucumber, chopped
½ cup tomato, chopped
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ green bell pepper, sliced
6–8 Kalamata olives
¼ cup feta cheese, cubed
1 tsp capers (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil + splash of red wine vinegar
Salt & pepper
For the Base:
½ cup cooked brown rice
Instructions
Cook the salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss salmon chunks with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Roast or pan-sear for 10–12 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
Prepare the salad: In a bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, onion, bell pepper, olives, feta, and capers (if using). Drizzle with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
Assemble the bowl: Place cooked brown rice at the base of a serving bowl. Top with salmon pieces and a generous scoop of the Greek salad.
Finish & serve: Optionally squeeze extra lemon juice over the top before serving for brightness. Enjoy warm salmon with the fresh crunch of the salad.
Tips
Choose fresh salmon: Wild-caught or high-quality salmon fillets will give the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook: Salmon cooks quickly—remove it as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to keep it tender and juicy.
Rice prep shortcut: Use pre-cooked brown rice or microwave pouches to save time on busy days.
Balance flavors: Taste the salad before serving. Add more vinegar or lemon juice if it needs brightness, or a pinch of salt if it tastes flat.
Meal prep ready: Store each component separately (salmon, rice, salad) and assemble just before eating so the salad stays crisp.
Variations
Different grains: Swap brown rice for quinoa, farro, couscous, or bulgur for variety.
Protein swaps: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas instead of salmon.
Dressing twist: Replace red wine vinegar with balsamic or lemon juice for a different acidity profile.
Extra veggies: Add roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to make it more filling.
Low-carb option: Skip the rice and serve the salmon directly over the salad for a lighter meal.
Herb upgrade: Add fresh dill, parsley, or mint to the salad for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I use leftover salmon for this bowl?
A: Yes. Flake cooked salmon into chunks and serve it cold or gently reheated. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover salmon.
Q: Can I meal-prep this recipe?
A: Definitely. Cook the rice and salmon ahead of time, and store separately from the salad. Assemble just before eating to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.
Q: What can I use instead of brown rice?
A: Quinoa, bulgur, or couscous are excellent substitutes and also very Mediterranean.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Q: Is this bowl served warm or cold?
A: It’s a mix—the salmon and rice are warm, while the Greek salad is cool and refreshing. You can enjoy it fully chilled too, especially in warmer weather.
Nutrition
(per serving, 1 bowl)
Calories: ~520
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Fat: ~26g
Fiber: ~6g
Sodium: ~600mg
(Values will vary depending on salmon size, feta type, and rice portion.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Greek-Style Salmon Bowl is a wholesome, vibrant dish that blends tender, lemony salmon with the freshness of a village-style Greek salad, all served over hearty brown rice. It’s balanced, nutrient-rich, and easy to customize with different proteins, grains, or extra vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or meal prepping for the week, this bowl delivers satisfying flavors and a true taste of the Mediterranean.