This vibrant dish features grilled salmon skewers marinated in a smoky-spiced blend, served over fragrant herbed basmati rice, and paired with a fresh Mediterranean-style salsa. The dish is finished with a creamy yogurt drizzle and a bold red pepper sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Skewers:
- 2 salmon fillets, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Herbed Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Mediterranean Salsa:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Red Pepper Sauce:
- 1 roasted red bell pepper (jarred or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (thinned with water for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions or chives
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate and Skewer the Salmon
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
- Add salmon cubes, tossing to coat evenly. Let marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Thread the salmon, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion onto skewers.
2. Cook the Herbed Rice
- In a saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add basmati rice and salt.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in butter and fresh herbs.
3. Prepare the Salsa
- In a small bowl, mix diced tomatoes, red onion, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Make the Red Pepper Sauce
- Blend roasted red pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Set aside for serving.
5. Grill the Skewers
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until the salmon is charred on the outside but tender inside.
6. Assemble and Serve
- Spread herbed rice on a plate.
- Place grilled salmon skewers on top.
- Drizzle with yogurt and red pepper sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and black sesame seeds.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa!
- Protein-packed & nutritious with salmon and fresh vegetables
- Bold Mediterranean flavors with smoky paprika, cumin, and fresh herbs
- Perfectly balanced—spiced salmon, cooling yogurt, and zesty salsa
- Easy to make & great for meal prep