Name: Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon filets; fine sea salt; freshly-cracked black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 large baby arugula; 1 pc avocado; 1 large red bell pepper,; 1 small red onion; 1/2 English cucumber; olive oil; red wine vinegar

Imagine the vibrant flavors of Greece nestled in a deliciously fresh salad bowl, with a lovely piece of succulent salmon as the star. Fresh and flavorful, this Greek Salmon Salad Bowl recipe is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner.

Photos of Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Recipe

Most of these ingredients are common pantry items like olive oil, salt, and black pepper. However, you might want to look out for baby arugula, which is a smaller, more delicate version of regular arugula that offers a unique peppery flavor to the salad. Also, an English cucumber is specifically used in this recipe for its thin skin and fewer seeds, making it ideal for salads.

Ingredients Required for Greek Salmon Salad Bowl

Salmon filets: A nutrient-dense food that is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Sea salt and Black pepper: Used for seasoning the salmon and the salad.

Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor to the salad and is used for cooking the salmon.

Baby arugula: A salad green with a peppery flavor that adds a kick to the salad.

Avocado: Adds creaminess to the salad and is a great source of healthy fats.

Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly bitter flavor and a crunch to the salad.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

English cucumber: Has a mild flavor and a refreshing crunch, perfect for adding a fresh element to the salad.

Olive oil and Red wine vinegar: Used for dressing the salad, providing a tangy, flavorful finish.

One reader, Constantina Mancuso says:

This Greek salmon salad bowl recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are fresh and vibrant, and the salmon is perfectly cooked. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare. I love how the ingredients come together to create a delicious and nutritious dish. Highly recommend!

Constantina Mancuso

Key Techniques for Preparing Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

How to cook salmon: This involves seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper, then cooking it in a non-stick sauté pan until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

How to assemble the salad: This involves combining the cooked salmon, arugula, avocado, bell pepper, onion, and cucumber in a large bowl, then drizzling with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and tossing until combined.

How to season the salad: After assembling the salad, taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.

How To Make Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

The best thing about salad bowls is that you can customize it however you want! This Greek salmon salad uses seafood to put a Mediterranean twist to this recipe.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbsalmon filets room temperature
fine sea salt
freshly-cracked black pepper
2tbspolive oil
2largebaby arugula
1pcavocadopeeled, pitted and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1largered bell pepper,cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1smallred onion peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 English cucumberchopped into bite-sized pieces
olive oilfor dressing
red wine vinegarfor dressing

Instructions

Gently pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels, then season on all sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick sauté pan.
Place the salmon filets flesh-side down, pressing the flesh down a bit if needed so that the entire surface is touching the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden.
Carefully flip and cook the other side for about 2 to 4 more minutes, until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer salmon to a separate plate and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked salmon, arugula, avocado, bell pepper, onion and cucumber.
Drizzle with a few swirls of olive oil and red wine vinegar, plus a few pinches of dried oregano if desired, and toss until combined.
Taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with feta cheese and extra oregano if desired. Or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 885.35kcal
Fat: 67.13g
Saturated Fat: 12.10g
Monounsaturated Fat: 33.79g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.23g
Carbohydrates: 21.28g
Fiber: 10.98g
Sugar: 7.53g
Protein: 52.12g
Cholesterol: 124.74mg
Sodium: 1304.89mg
Calcium: 205.18mg
Potassium: 1904.74mg
Iron: 3.41mg
Vitamin A: 248.28µg
Vitamin C: 140.32mg

Helpful Technique for Making Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

When cooking the salmon, it's important to resist the urge to move it around in the pan. Letting it cook undisturbed allows for a nice, golden crust to form. This not only adds flavor but also makes the fish easier to flip. Remember, the salmon will release itself from the pan when it's ready to be flipped. If it's sticking, it's not ready. Patience is key here.

Time-Saving Tips for Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This will save time when assembling the salad.

One-pan cooking: Use a large non-stick sauté pan to cook the salmon, reducing the number of dishes to clean up.

Multi-task: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Batch cooking: Cook extra salmon to use in other meals throughout the week, saving time on future meal prep.

Invest in quality tools: Sharp knives and efficient kitchen tools can significantly reduce prep time and make cooking more enjoyable.

Organize your workspace: Keep ingredients and tools within easy reach to streamline the cooking process.

Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan to streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation, saving time and reducing food waste.

Substitute Ingredients For Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Recipe

salmon filets - Substitute with trout fillets: Trout has a similar texture and flavor to salmon, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be used as a milder alternative to arugula, adding a fresh and nutritious element to the salad.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango can provide a sweet and tangy flavor similar to avocado, adding a unique twist to the salad.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onion, providing a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the salad.
english cucumber - Substitute with persian cucumber: Persian cucumbers can be used as a substitute, offering a similar crisp texture and mild flavor to the salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a mild, buttery flavor and similar health benefits.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute, adding a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the salad dressing.

Presentation Ideas for Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

Elevate the salmon: Gently place the perfectly seared salmon filet on the plate, ensuring it is the star of the dish. The vibrant color and texture of the salmon will immediately catch the eye of the judges.
Artful arrangement of arugula: Carefully place the baby arugula around the salmon, creating a visually appealing bed for the star ingredient. The bright green color will provide a striking contrast to the salmon.
Avocado rose garnish: Skillfully carve the avocado into a delicate rose shape and place it on the plate. The intricate design will showcase your attention to detail and add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Red bell pepper confetti: Finely dice the red bell pepper and sprinkle it around the plate, adding a pop of color and a hint of sweetness to the overall presentation.
Crisp red onion rings: Arrange thinly sliced red onion rings on top of the salmon, creating a visually stunning and aromatic element that adds a burst of flavor to each bite.
Cucumber ribbon accents: Use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin cucumber ribbons and artfully drape them around the plate, adding a refreshing and visually appealing element to the dish.
Drizzle with precision: Carefully drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the entire dish, ensuring each ingredient is lightly coated and glistening, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with feta and oregano: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and a pinch of dried oregano over the top of the dish, adding a final burst of flavor and a visually appealing finishing touch.

Essential Tools for Making Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

Sauté pan: A sauté pan is a wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, perfect for sautéing, searing, and frying ingredients.
Non-stick pan: A non-stick pan has a special coating that prevents food from sticking, making it ideal for cooking delicate items like fish or eggs without the need for excess oil.
Large bowl: A large bowl is essential for mixing and tossing ingredients together, such as for creating salads or marinating proteins.
Paper towels: Paper towels are useful for patting dry ingredients, such as salmon filets, before cooking to ensure a good sear.
Fork: A fork is used for flipping and testing the doneness of the salmon, as well as for tossing the salad ingredients together.
Plate: A plate is used for transferring the cooked salmon to rest before assembling the salad.
Container: A sealed container is used for storing any leftover salad in the refrigerator.

Storing and Freezing Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

To store leftover greek salmon salad bowls, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The arugula may wilt slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can store the individual components separately in the refrigerator. Keep the cooked salmon, chopped vegetables, and dressing in separate containers for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble the salad bowls and toss with the dressing.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooled salmon filets tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. To thaw, transfer the frozen salmon to the refrigerator overnight or for at least 8 hours.
It's not recommended to freeze the assembled greek salmon salad bowls, as the vegetables and arugula will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. The avocado may also turn brown and mushy after being frozen.
If you have leftover dressing, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using it to recombine any separated ingredients.

How To Reheat Leftover Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

Reheat the salmon separately in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until heated through.
If you prefer, you can also reheat the salmon in the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
For the salad components, it's best to store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove the salad ingredients from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
If the arugula or other greens have wilted, you can refresh them by soaking them in cold water for a few minutes, then draining and patting dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Assemble the reheated salmon and room-temperature salad ingredients in a bowl.
Drizzle with a fresh batch of dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano to revive the flavors.
If the avocado has turned brown due to oxidation, you can either remove the discolored parts or add a freshly sliced avocado to the salad for optimal taste and presentation.
Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and serve immediately.

Interesting Fact About Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

Greek salmon salad bowls are a healthy and delicious meal option. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the combination of arugula, avocado, bell pepper, and cucumber provides a variety of essential vitamins and nutrients. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a great choice for a well-balanced meal.

Is This Greek Salad Recipe Budget-Friendly?

This Greek salmon salad bowls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, salmon, can be a bit pricey, but the rest of the ingredients are relatively affordable. The versatility of this dish also makes it a good investment. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $25-$30. The nutritional value and flavor profile of this dish make it a solid choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Are Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Healthy?

This Greek salmon salad bowl recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. The recipe incorporates several nutrient-dense ingredients, such as:

Salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D
Arugula, a leafy green packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants
Avocado, a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium
Bell pepper, onion, and cucumber, which provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber

The use of olive oil and red wine vinegar as a dressing adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants without relying on high-calorie, sugary dressings.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for wild-caught salmon, which tends to have a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio compared to farmed salmon
Include a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the diversity of nutrients and antioxidants in the salad
Add a whole grain, such as quinoa or brown rice, to provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like dill or smoked paprika, to add flavor without increasing calorie content
Use a light hand when adding feta cheese to keep the overall saturated fat content in check

Editor's Opinion on Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

This Greek salmon salad bowl recipe is a delightful combination of fresh and vibrant flavors. The perfectly seared salmon pairs beautifully with the crisp arugula, creamy avocado, and crunchy vegetables. The drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar adds a refreshing tang, while the feta cheese provides a lovely salty finish. This dish is not only visually stunning but also a healthy and satisfying meal. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a wonderful addition to any menu.

Enhance Your Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Greek Salad: Create a refreshing Greek salad with a mix of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and kalamata olives.

Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook a colorful assortment of bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a flavorful side dish.

Mediterranean Quinoa: Whip up a light and fluffy quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony vinaigrette for a healthy accompaniment.

Similar Recipes to Greek Salmon Salad Bowls

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Use a mixture of ground lamb, rice, tomatoes, and spices to stuff bell peppers, then bake until tender.

Citrus Grilled Chicken Salad: Marinate chicken in a citrusy marinade, then grill and serve over a bed of mixed greens, oranges, and avocado.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl: Toss roasted vegetables with cooked quinoa, then drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing for a hearty and flavorful bowl.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. They're the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy zucchini fritters are a delicious way to start your meal. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, they're a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This classic dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and impress your guests with its decadent flavor and smooth texture.

Berry Parfait: Layer vibrant and juicy mixed berries with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola to create a refreshing and visually stunning berry parfait. This light and fruity dessert is perfect for a summer treat or a guilt-free indulgence after a hearty meal.

Why trust this Greek Salmon Salad Bowls Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delicious and nutritious meal. The salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, while the arugula and avocado provide essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of red bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. The use of olive oil and red wine vinegar enhances the flavors without compromising on health. The step-by-step instructions ensure a perfectly cooked salmon, and the addition of feta cheese adds a delightful finish. Trust this recipe for a satisfying and wholesome salad experience.

Want to share your experience making these delicious Greek Salmon Salad Bowls or discuss your own twist on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the salmon filets?

It takes about 3 to 4 minutes on each side to cook the salmon filets until they reach the desired level of doneness and flake easily with a fork.

Can I prepare the salad bowls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad bowls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning.

What can I substitute for arugula if I can't find it?

If you can't find arugula, you can substitute it with baby spinach or mixed salad greens.

Can I use a different type of vinegar if I don't have red wine vinegar?

Yes, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for red wine vinegar.

Is it necessary to use feta cheese as a garnish?

No, the feta cheese is optional. You can omit it or substitute it with another cheese of your choice, such as crumbled goat cheese or shredded Parmesan.