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Mediterranean Salmon Bowls

These Mediterranean salmon bowls with couscous and veggies are easy, healthy, and customizable based on your taste and what you have on hand.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 748 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the tzatziki

  • ½ English cucumber grated on the large side of a box grater (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (I use 2%)
  • 1 medium-sized clove of garlic grated, or minced (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill minced
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the couscous

  • 1 cup pearl couscous
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves coarsely chopped
  • cup roasted salted pistachios , chopped

For the salmon

  • 1 pound salmon sliced into four 4-ounce portions
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced

For assembling the bowls

  • 1 cup marinated artichokes from a jar, drained and divided
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers from a jar, drained and divided
  • 1 English cucumber chopped into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce
  • couscous
  • salmon
  • leafy greens (such as baby kale, arugula, and/or spinach)
  • capers drained

Instructions
 

  • For the Tzatziki
  • Gather the grated cucumber together and place in a paper towel, press the water out of the cucumber and place it in a medium-sized bowl.
  • Add the yogurt, garlic, red wine vinegar, fresh dill, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix well.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
  • For the Couscous
  • Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat and add the couscous. Toast the couscous, stirring frequently and keeping a watchful eye to prevent burning, toasting for about 7 minutes or until golden brown. Once the water is boiling, salt the water generously and add the couscous, cooking until tender; about 7 minutes. Drain the couscous and add to a large bowl and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, add the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to a bowl and whisk to emulsify.
  • Dress the couscous with half of the lemon vinaigrette, setting aside the rest. Stir well and then add the mint and pistachios, and stir again. Set aside or chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your bowls.
  • For the Salmon
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. Place the salmon filets skin-side down on a sheet pan and pat the top of the fish with a paper towel. Brush the salmon with the olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, oregano, and pepper, and top with lemon slices. Bake until the salmon is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
  • To Assemble the Bowls
  • Toss the leafy greens in a spoon or two of the lemony vinaigrette. This will be the base of your bowls. Add a ¼ to ½ scoop of couscous. Add your veg. Place the cucumber, peppers, and artichokes in areas on the outer part of the bowl. Add the finishing touches. Drizzle with the rest of the vinaigrette. I like to sprinkle some capers on top, then give a good squeeze of lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Notes

The lemony vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance
Homemade tzatziki can be made up to a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge
The couscous can be made up to two days in advance (no need to reheat for serving as it’s best eaten at room temperature
Cook the salmon a day or two ahead to serve the bowls at room temp or bake it just before serving warm.
Leftovers will keep for about a day or until the leafy greens get wilty. Undressed greens last longer.
Keyword Mediterranean salmon bowls