A weeknight dinner shouldn’t take all evening. In fact, whenever possible a weeknight dinner should take 30 minutes or less while still being nutritious and delicous.

This tilapia recipe fits all of the above mentioned requirements. It can be on the table in right around 30 minutes. It’s yummy – the nutty flavor from the farro salad paired with a slight bit of spice from the cajun seasoned tilapia and a little bit of tangy-ness from the salsa verde is perfect! There’s also some really awesome nutrition packed into this recipe.

Farro is a whole grain that is full of protein and fiber. Tilapia is an excellent source or protein and several nutrients including vitamin B12, phosphorus, and potassium. The zucchini adds vitamin A, antioxidants, and vitamin C among several other nutrients (feel free to add more zucchini, especially if you like zucchini).

Print Recipe

Tilapia with Salsa Verde & Farro Salad

This simple, easy weeknight dinner is full of nutrition and flavor.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Fish, Grain

Servings: 2 servings

Author: Jessica Oswald

Ingredients

• 12 oz tilapia
• 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 lemon
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup semi-pearled farro
• 2 zucchini chopped
• 1 1/2 tbsp golden raisins
• 1 red onion halved, peeled, and thinly sliced
• 4 green olives pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup salsa verde

Instructions

• Place the raisins in a small bowl. Cover with hot water. Set aside and let rehydrate for at least 10 minutes.
• Using a zester, finely grate the lemon to get 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Quarter the remaining lemon.
• Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way with salted water. Heat to boiling. Once boiling, add the farro. Cook, uncovered for 20 minutes. Once farro is cooked, turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Cover to keep warm.
• Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and heat. Add the sliced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally for 4 – 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the zucchini, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 – 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly browned and softened. Turn off the heat. Add the raisins and olives. Stir to combine. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. Rinse and wipe out the pan
• Pat the fish dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning. In the pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the fish to the pan. Cook 8 – 10 minutes or until fish reaches an internal temperature of 145F, flipping the fish halfway through.
• Add the vegetables, lemon zest, and juice of 2 lemon wedges to the farro. Stir to combine.
• Serve the farro and vegetables topped with the fish. Drizzle with salsa verde. Serve with the remaining lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Notes

Instead of farro, rice or couscous or quinoa could be used.

Recipe adapted from Blue Apron.