Salmon Kefta Bulgur Grain Bowl with Feta

If you close your eyes (really!) tightly, you could almost be sitting in a taverna on the Mediterranean while eating this healthy yet delicious grain bowl. This also makes a perfect summer sandwich filling in toasted pita, with a drizzle of chile sauce, alongside an ice-cold beer — the latter is highly encouraged but not essential!

• 1 pound salmon burger meat (or 1 pound minced salmon), lightly pressed to remove excess moisture 
• 2 ½ cups cooked cold bulgur wheat, divided
• ½ cup chopped fresh dill, divided, plus sprigs for garnish
• ½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, divided
• ¼ cup prepared tzatziki, plus more for serving
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, divided, plus wedges for garnish
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
• 2 medium plum tomatoes, diced
• 2 medium Persian cucumbers, trimmed and diced
  Crumbled feta, sliced red onion, whole pepperoncini, for serving

In a large bowl, combine salmon, ½ cup of the bulgur, 3 tablespoons of the dill, 3 tablespoons of the parsley, the tzatziki, oregano, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Form the mixture into 8 (2-inch long) cigar-shaped ovals. Place on a lightly oiled baking dish and refrigerate just until chilled, 10 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over high heat until shimmering. Add the kefta to the skillet, in batches if necessary, slightly pressing with the back of a spatula to flat slightly. Cook until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium, or 3 minutes per side for well-done.Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Divide the bulgur and tomato-cucumber salad between 2 bowls and top with salmon kefta, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and dill sprigs. Drizzle lightly with oil and serve with lemon wedges and pepperoncini.

Match the Mediterranean flavors in this dish with a southern Italian wine or Greek white wine, like an Assyrtiko.