Name: Greek Salmon & Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487741H34M50S
Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 4–6 oz each); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp dried oregano; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2–3 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine or brown); 1 cup cucumber, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup kalamata olives; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup tzatziki sauce

Greek Salmon & Rice is a bright, flavorful dish that brings together tender, flaky salmon seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs, served over a bed of herbed rice with fresh vegetables or feta. It’s one of my go-to meals when I want something healthy and satisfying that doesn’t skimp on taste. I love how the Mediterranean flavors come through with every bite—simple, clean, and incredibly delicious.

Greek Salmon & Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how light but filling this meal is. The salmon gets a delicious crust from being pan-seared or baked, and the lemon-herb seasoning makes it fresh and vibrant. Paired with rice that’s seasoned with dill, parsley, and a splash of olive oil or lemon juice, it feels like something I’d order at a restaurant, but it’s easy to make at home. It’s perfect for meal prep, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a casual dinner party.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salmon:

salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
olive oil
garlic (minced)
lemon juice and zest
dried oregano
salt and pepper
fresh dill or parsley (optional for garnish)

For the rice:

long-grain white rice or basmati rice
water or chicken/vegetable broth
olive oil or butter
lemon juice
fresh chopped dill and/or parsley
salt

Optional toppings/add-ins:

crumbled feta cheese
diced cucumber
cherry tomatoes
kalamata olives
tzatziki sauce

Directions

I start by cooking the rice: I rinse it, then cook it with water or broth until fluffy. Once done, I stir in olive oil or butter, lemon juice, and chopped herbs.
While the rice cooks, I pat the salmon dry and season it with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
I sear the salmon in a hot skillet (skin-side down first if using skin-on) for 4–5 minutes per side, or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
I fluff the rice and spoon it onto plates, then top it with the cooked salmon.
I finish the dish with optional toppings like feta, tomatoes, olives, or a drizzle of tzatziki, depending on what I have on hand.
I garnish with fresh dill or parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15–20 minutes to cook, and comes together in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add roasted vegetables like zucchini, red peppers, or eggplant to the rice for a more complete meal. I’ve also used brown rice or quinoa for a heartier base. When I want extra flavor, I marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before cooking. If I’m short on time, I use store-bought tzatziki for a quick topping.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the salmon and rice gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. I add a splash of water or lemon juice to the rice to keep it from drying out. This meal also works well cold as a salmon rice bowl or salad the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I thaw it fully and pat it dry before seasoning. It works just as well for this recipe.

What kind of rice works best?

I like using long-grain white or basmati rice for a light, fluffy texture. Brown rice also works, but it needs more cook time.

Can I grill the salmon?

Absolutely. I brush it with oil and grill it over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side.

What herbs go best with this dish?

Dill, parsley, oregano, and mint all work beautifully. I mix and match based on what I have fresh.

Can I make this into a bowl meal?

Yes, I layer the rice, salmon, and toppings into a bowl and serve it with a spoonful of tzatziki or hummus for a complete Mediterranean bowl.

Conclusion

Greek Salmon & Rice is one of those easy, flavorful meals I always feel good about making. It’s fresh, satisfying, and customizable with whatever herbs or toppings I have around. Whether I’m keeping it simple or dressing it up with feta and olives, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort—and it always hits the spot.