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Mediterranean Salmon

Mediterranean Salmon
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This Mediterranean Salmon recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal featuring fresh salmon fillets enhanced with zesty lemon, garlic, and vibrant Mediterranean herbs. Sautéed cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives provide a delicious finish, making this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining family and friends with minimal fuss and maximal taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Marinade

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on, wild-caught if possible, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for cooking
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Garnish

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
  • Extra fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, dill)
  • Lemon wedges or thin lemon slices for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Salmon: Rinse salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure seasoning adheres well. Lightly score the skin to prevent curling during cooking.
  2. Marinate with Fresh Flavors: Drizzle the salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, lemon zest, and freshly chopped herbs (parsley, dill, oregano). Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, season generously with sea salt and black pepper, and let marinate for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin crisps and the fillet releases easily. Carefully flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until just cooked through but still moist inside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Toss quickly in the pan juices for 1 to 2 minutes until they warm and soften slightly, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.
  5. Plate and Garnish: Transfer salmon to serving plates and spoon the warm tomatoes and olives on or beside the fillets. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon and sprinkle additional fresh herbs for a vibrant and aromatic presentation.

Notes

  • Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
  • Cook in batches if your pan is small to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of searing.
  • Use fresh herbs for optimum flavor; dried herbs can be substituted at one-third the quantity but add during cooking.
  • Check internal temperature aiming for 125-130°F for perfectly cooked, moist salmon.
  • Reserve and drizzle pan juices over the plated dish for added richness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salmon, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, lemon garlic salmon, omega-3 rich meal, one pan salmon recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/mediterranean-salmon/