Mediterranean-Seared Sea Bass with Cumin-Spiced Chickpea Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring pan-seared sea bass atop a warm cumin-spiced chickpea and vegetable salad. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) sea bass fillets, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 sea bass fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the fillets skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  2. Step 2: While the fish cooks, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium cucumber, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion in a large bowl. Add 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: Divide the chickpea salad among four plates and top each with a seared sea bass fillet. Serve immediately while the fish is warm and the salad is fresh and vibrant.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean-Seared Sea Bass with Cumin-Spiced Chickpea Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean-Seared Sea Bass with Cumin-Spiced Chickpea Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean-Seared Sea Bass with Cumin-Spiced Chickpea Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mediterranean-Seared Sea Bass with Cumin-Spiced Chickpea Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mediterranean-Seared Sea Bass with Cumin-Spiced Chickpea Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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