Name: Mediterranean Grilled Salmon with Tzatziki
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Fresh salmon fillets about eight to twelve ounces; Extra virgin olive oil for brushing and drizzling; Fine sea salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; One large lemon sliced in half; One large ripe tomato sliced in half; One small eggplant sliced into rounds or zucchini as an alternative; One cup dry quinoa or long grain rice; Two cups water or broth for cooking grains; Plain Greek yogurt; One small cucumber finely grated and moisture removed; One clove garlic finely minced; Fresh lemon juice; Fresh dill, mint, or Italian parsley finely chopped; Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens; Radishes, sliced cucumber, microgreens, or sprouts

Description

Mediterranean Grilled Salmon with Tzatziki is a fresh and flavorful meal made with tender grilled salmon, smoky vegetables, and a creamy yogurt cucumber sauce. Inspired by classic Mediterranean cooking, this recipe focuses on simple ingredients, bright lemon flavor, and balanced textures. It works perfectly for weeknight dinners, outdoor grilling, or wholesome bowl-style meals.

Ingredients

Fresh salmon fillets about eight to twelve ounces

Extra virgin olive oil for brushing and drizzling

Fine sea salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

One large lemon sliced in half

One large ripe tomato sliced in half

One small eggplant sliced into rounds or zucchini as an alternative

One cup dry quinoa or long grain rice

Two cups water or broth for cooking grains

Plain Greek yogurt

One small cucumber finely grated and moisture removed

One clove garlic finely minced

Fresh lemon juice

Fresh dill, mint, or Italian parsley finely chopped

Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens

Radishes, sliced cucumber, microgreens, or sprouts

Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium high heat and lightly oil the grates

Rinse the quinoa and cook it with water or broth until fluffy and tender then keep warm

Pat the salmon dry and brush with olive oil then season with salt and black pepper

Brush the eggplant or zucchini with olive oil and lightly season

Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and herbs to make the tzatziki sauce and chill

Place salmon on the grill along with lemon halves, tomato halves, and sliced vegetables

Grill salmon until just cooked through and grill vegetables until tender with visible char marks

Remove everything from the grill and squeeze grilled lemon over the salmon

Divide quinoa or rice into bowls and top with greens and fresh vegetables

Arrange grilled salmon and vegetables over the bowls

Spoon tzatziki sauce generously over the salmon and finish with fresh herbs

Notes

Use high quality fresh salmon for best flavor and texture

Avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it moist and tender

Squeezing excess moisture from the cucumber keeps the tzatziki thick and creamy

Grilled lemon adds a softer and slightly sweet citrus flavor compared to raw lemon

The recipe components can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean