Description
A healthy and flavorful meal featuring tender grilled salmon fillets seasoned with lemon and spices, served over nutty black rice and accompanied by a refreshing creamy cucumber salad made with Greek yogurt and dill. Perfect for a balanced dinner that’s both satisfying and light.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Black Rice
- 1 cup black rice
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dill, chopped (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Black Rice: Rinse the black rice under cold water to remove excess starch and impurities.
- Boil the Liquid: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed black rice and a pinch of salt to the boiling liquid, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer the Rice: Let the rice simmer gently for 30-35 minutes until tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure a perfect sear on the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: Brush each salmon fillet with olive oil and drizzle lemon juice over them. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a balanced flavor.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the Salmon: Remove from the grill and set aside to rest briefly.
- Make the Cucumber Salad Dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the thinly sliced cucumber to the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the creamy cucumber salad for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to cool.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve each salmon fillet on a bed of fluffy black rice.
- Add the Salad: Top the salmon with a generous serving of the creamy cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your nutritious and delicious Grilled Salmon with Black Rice and Creamy Cucumber Salad while fresh.
Notes
- Black rice can be substituted with other whole grains like brown rice or quinoa if desired.
- Fresh dill enhances the cucumber salad flavor more than dried but use whichever is available.
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Salmon can also be cooked in a grill pan or skillet if an outdoor grill is not available.
- The cucumber salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning in the cucumber salad to taste, especially salt and lemon juice balance.