One Pot Salmon Zucchini and Rice Skillet

This One Pot Salmon Zucchini and Rice Skillet is a delicious one skillet meal ready in under 30 minutes. This dish packs in protein, veggies and flavor and is foolproof to make. Plus it is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Okay, let’s be honest—when it comes to weeknight dinners, I want flavor and ease. I want a meal that checks every box: protein, veggies, and carbs, all in one dish. And bonus points if I only have to clean one pan when it’s all said and done. That’s where this One Pot Salmon Zucchini and Rice comes in. It’s the answer to your “what’s for dinner?” question—and it couldn’t be more satisfying or easy to make.

This recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s light but still hearty, packed with nourishing ingredients, and made with pantry staples plus a few fresh touches (hi, lemon zest!). The whole dish is made in one big skillet—no boiling rice separately or dealing with a sink full of pots and pans. Just cozy comfort food vibes, made simple.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, your kids, or guests, this is one of those recipes that feels special without being fussy. It’s the perfect combo of clean and comforting.

Let’s dive into the details of this dreamy one pot salmon zucchini and rice meal…

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s everything that goes into this recipe—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen:

• Salmon cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes – I use organic scottish salmon
• Olive oil
• Small white onion
• Zucchini
• Garlic cloves
• Dried basil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
• Long-grain white rice
• Veggie broth or chicken bone broth 
• Lemon zest and juice

How to Make One Pot Salmon Zucchini and Rice:

1. Season + sear the salmon. Start by seasoning your salmon cubes or fillets with seasoning salt on both sides. You can use skin-on or skinless salmon here—whatever you have on hand.
2. In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon pieces skin-side down (if using skin-on), and sear for about 1–2 minutes per side just to get a little golden color. We’re not fully cooking them here—just building flavor and sealing in the juices.
3. Remove the salmon and set it aside on a plate for now.
4. Cook the veggies. In that same skillet (no need to clean it—hello, flavor!), reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil.
5. Toss in the garlic, onion, zucchini and sauté everything together for about 3–4 minutes, or until the veggies are soft and fragrant. You want everything to be slightly translucent and just beginning to caramelize.
6. Toast the rice and seasonings. Now, stir in the rinsed rice, dried basil, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
7. Add broth + lemon zest. Pour in your broth and add the zest of one lemon. Give everything a gentle stir, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Add salmon back in. Gently place the seared salmon cubes on top of the rice and veggies. You don’t need to stir—just nestle them in so they can cook.
9. Cover + cook. Cover your skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the broth. The salmon will be perfectly flaky and tender by this point—no overcooking, no dryness.
10. Once everything is fully cooked, squeeze the juice from the lemon you zested earlier over the whole dish. This adds brightness and balances out the richness of the salmon.
11. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm.

Why We Love This One Pot Salmon Zucchini and Rice:

• Only one pot to clean (yes please)

• Balanced and satisfying: healthy fats, quality protein, fiber-rich veggies, and nourishing carbs all in one

• Customizable for the whole family: kid-friendly but grown-up approved

• Delicious hot or cold: leftovers make the best lunch!

• Meal prep-friendly: makes a great big batch that stores beautifully

It’s one of those recipes that hits every note: cozy, fresh, citrusy, garlicky, a little savory from the broth and salmon, and comforting in all the right ways.

Easy Swaps and Add-Ins:

This dish is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to play around:

• Swap the salmon for shrimp, chicken breast, or even tofu if you prefer a different protein.

• Use brown rice instead of white—just increase the liquid and cook time a bit.

• Add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or frozen peas toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients.

• Top with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for even more flavor.

• Crispy topping idea: add some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving!

What to Serve It With:

Honestly, this one pot salmon zucchini and rice is a complete meal all on its own. But if you’re making it for guests or just want to add something extra, here are a few ideas:

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted asparagus or green beans

• Crusty sourdough or gluten-free bread to scoop up every last bite

• A dollop of tzatziki or hummus on the side (trust me, it works!)

Storage and Reheating:

This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Store in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

It also freezes well! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. A total lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner.

If You Make This Recipe…

I love seeing your recreations! If you make this one pot salmon zucchini and rice, don’t forget to rate and review it below.

Whether you’re trying to eat a little cleaner, cook more at home, or just simplify your weeknight routine, this dish is here for you. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and then just keep coming back to. And I can’t wait for you to try it.

Want more easy one pot dinners like this? Let me know! I have tons of veggie-packed, protein-forward meals that are quick, family-approved, and totally stress-free. Because feeding your people (and yourself!) should feel good—and taste amazing too.

Other one pot dishes to try