Description
Mediterranean Salmon is a vibrant and healthy dinner option featuring fresh salmon fillets baked with zesty lemon, garlic, olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This flavorful dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, easy to prepare, and brings the sunny essence of the Mediterranean coast to your table with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 oz each), firm and bright pink
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), 1/4 tsp or to preference
Mediterranean Salsa
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1/3 cup sliced Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Finely diced red onion
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse and pat dry the salmon fillets. Chop the tomatoes, mince the garlic, slice the olives, and chop fresh herbs so everything is ready for cooking.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over the salmon fillets, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Salmon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets on it. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and develops a slightly golden crust.
- Prepare the Mediterranean Salsa: While the salmon cooks, mix together the chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a fresh and vibrant topping.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, spoon the Mediterranean salsa generously over each fillet. Serve warm with a squeeze of extra lemon and garnish with fresh parsley or dill and optional finely diced red onion for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook salmon; remove it from heat as soon as it flakes easily to keep it moist.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for brighter aromatic notes.
- Add lemon juice gradually to balance acidity without overpowering the dish.
- Allow salmon to rest a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices for tender bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salsa
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg