Zesty Salmon and Couscous Bowl Recipe for Refreshing Meals

Fresh, vibrant ingredients dance together in this delightful salmon and couscous bowl that promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Tender, flaky salmon meets fluffy couscous in a culinary symphony that delights the senses.

Packed with nutrients and bright colors, this recipe delivers a balanced meal in minutes.

Herbs and zesty seasonings add depth to every bite, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

The combination of omega-rich fish and hearty grains makes this bowl a nutritious powerhouse for lunch or dinner.

Quick to prepare and even quicker to devour, this bowl transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

You’ll want to savor every last morsel of this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Helpful Tips for Salmon and Couscous Bowl

• Choose ripe mangoes, firm Roma tomatoes, and vibrant cilantro for the most flavorful salsa.
• Press salmon gently in the skillet to ensure even cooking and crispy skin without burning.
• Add extra cilantro lime marinade to the couscous for a zesty, bright taste that complements the salmon.
• Layer mixed greens, creamy avocado, and crispy salmon to create a satisfying bowl with varied mouthfeels.
• Make mango salsa in advance to let flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

Flavor Variations for Salmon and Couscous Bowl

• Quinoa Power Bowl: Replace couscous with protein-packed quinoa for a gluten-free and nutrient-dense alternative.
• Tofu Mediterranean Option: Swap salmon with marinated tofu for a vegetarian version, keeping the same mango salsa and couscous base.
• Spicy Caribbean Remix: Add diced jalapeños to the mango salsa and use a Caribbean-style jerk seasoning on the salmon for a bolder flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute couscous with cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the original recipe's fresh and vibrant taste.

Foods That Pair Well with Salmon and Couscous Bowl

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salmon's rich flavor and cut through the mango salsa's sweetness.
• Refresh with Citrus Mocktail: Create a zesty lime and mint mocktail that echoes the cilantro lime marinade and provides a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the dish.
• Enhance with Tropical Fruit Side: Add a small plate of fresh pineapple or passion fruit to amplify the mango salsa's tropical notes and provide a light, juicy accompaniment.
• Balance with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a light green tea with mint and lemon to cleanse the palate and offer a subtle, cooling contrast to the warm salmon and spicy marinade.

Proper Storage for Salmon and Couscous Bowl

• Store mango salsa and cooked salmon separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep salmon and couscous in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water to keep fish moist.
• Warm salmon in a non-stick skillet over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping once to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What is cilantro lime marinade and how do I make it?

A simple cilantro lime marinade combines fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend these ingredients together until well mixed, creating a zesty and bright marinade perfect for salmon.

• Can I use frozen mango for the salsa?

Fresh mango is best, but frozen mango can work. Thaw and drain the mango completely to prevent excess liquid in your salsa. Pat the mango pieces dry before mixing with other ingredients to maintain the right texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The couscous is not gluten-free as it contains wheat. To make the dish gluten-free, substitute couscous with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Salmon and Couscous Bowl: What Makes It Special

Savor Gourmet Indulgence: Discover why this Steak and Shrimp Scampi recipe is a culinary gem.

• Craft Luxurious Flavors: Combine tender steak with succulent shrimp in a restaurant-quality dish that transforms your home kitchen into a gourmet experience.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Enjoy a streamlined cooking process that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, using the same skillet for both steak and shrimp to capture every delicious browned bit.
• Customize Your Feast: Flexible recipe allows personalization with your favorite sides like rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, making it perfect for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Salmon and Couscous Bowl

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the primary protein source for the bowl.
• Microgreens: Delicate greens that add a nutritious and decorative touch to the dish.

• Mango, Roma Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that create a vibrant and zesty salsa with complementary flavors and textures.
• Lime: Citrus fruit that provides brightness and acidity to the salsa.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salsa.

• Couscous: Light and fluffy grain that serves as the foundation of the bowl.
• Mixed Salad Greens: Fresh base that provides a crisp and nutritious layer.
• Avocado: Creamy fruit that adds richness and healthy fats to the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the couscous.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the salmon and providing additional flavor.
• Cilantro Lime Marinade: Flavorful sauce that seasons both the salmon and couscous.
• Kosher Salt: Seasoning that enhances the flavor of the salmon.

How to Make Salmon and Couscous Bowl

Step 1: Whip Up Vibrant Mango Salsa

Dice fresh mangoes, Roma tomatoes, red onion, and chop cilantro into a medium bowl. Squeeze lime juice generously over the ingredients.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors. Stash the salsa in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Craft Fluffy Couscous

• Salt
• Butter

Stir in couscous, kill the heat, and cover.

Allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and fold in cilantro lime marinade.

Set aside for later.

Step 3: Sear Perfect Salmon

Season salmon fillets with kosher salt and massage with cilantro lime marinade.

Heat cast iron skillet over medium flame. Drizzle olive oil into the pan.

Lay salmon skin-side down, press gently with spatula. Cook for 4 minutes.

Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily.

Step 4: Build Colorful Bowl

Layer shallow bowls with mixed salad greens.

Scatter cooked couscous and avocado slices. Crown with salmon fillet.

Dollop mango salsa on top. Sprinkle microgreens for a final flourish.

Salmon And Couscous Bowl Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with this salmon and couscous bowl blending fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and perfectly seared fish. Hearty grains and succulent salmon create a delightful harmony, promising a quick, nutritious meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 (6-8 ounces) salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup microgreens
• 1 large avocado

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup sweet mango, diced
• 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2–3 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 small limes

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons cilantro lime marinade
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2–3 pinches kosher salt
• 1/2 cup couscous
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a vibrant mango salsa by dicing fresh mango, Roma tomatoes, red onion, and chopping cilantro in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Enhance the salsa with freshly squeezed lime juice, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.
3. Season the salsa with salt and black pepper, then refrigerate to allow ingredients to meld.
4. Bring water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, adding salt and butter for enhanced flavor.
5. Remove boiling water from heat, stir in couscous, and cover for 5 minutes to steam.
6. Gently fluff couscous with a fork, incorporating cilantro lime marinade for additional zest.
7. Prepare salmon by seasoning with kosher salt and coating with cilantro lime marinade.
8. Heat cast iron skillet to medium temperature, drizzling with olive oil.
9. Carefully place salmon skin-side down, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking for 4 minutes.
10. Flip salmon and continue cooking 3-4 minutes until fish easily flakes with a fork.
11. Layer mixed salad greens as the base in serving bowls.
12. Distribute cooked couscous and sliced avocado over the greens.
13. Position salmon fillet atop the couscous and greens.
14. Generously spoon mango salsa over the salmon and finish with a sprinkle of delicate microgreens.

Notes

• Swap salmon for tofu or chicken to accommodate different dietary preferences and create a versatile meal option.
• Use quinoa instead of couscous for a gluten-free alternative that provides similar texture and nutritional benefits.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, perfectly seared exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
• Marinate salmon for 15-30 minutes in advance to enhance flavor penetration and create more depth in the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg