Mediterranean Salmon
This Mediterranean Salmon recipe is a perfect choice for a quick and delightful meal. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy flaky salmon topped with fresh, vibrant ingredients that celebrate the flavors of summer. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for casual dinners or elegant gatherings. Its healthy profile, featuring nutritious vegetables and lean protein, makes it an ideal option for a wholesome dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of lemon, herbs, and fresh vegetables brings a burst of flavor to your table.
- Versatile: Enjoy this Mediterranean salmon as a main course or serve it alongside a light salad or grains for a complete meal.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins from the fresh toppings, it’s a nutritious option.
- Beautiful Presentation: The colorful toppings create an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your Mediterranean salmon preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large cast-iron skillet
- Medium bowl
- Fish spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large cast-iron skillet: Excellent heat retention ensures even cooking of the salmon fillets.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for marinating the salmon fillets with olive oil and spices.
- Fish spatula: Allows for easy flipping of delicate salmon without breaking it apart.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 5-6 ounce salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + more for skillet
- Juice of one lemon
- Kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper
For the Mediterranean Topper
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ⅔ cup green California ripe olives (pitted and halved)
- ½ English cucumber (diced)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Cracked black pepper
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
How to Make Mediterranean Salmon
Step 1: Season Salmon
In a medium bowl, add the salmon fillets. Sprinkle evenly with oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well so that all fillets are coated. Season each side with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Pan Fry
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil so that the bottom is well coated. Once hot, place the salmon skin side down in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes. Using a fish spatula, gently flip the salmon and cook on the other side for an additional 2–3 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Mediterranean Topper
While the salmon is cooking, combine cherry tomatoes, green California ripe olives, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, basil, feta cheese, a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl. Season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Top generously with the Mediterranean topper for a refreshing finish to your dish.
Enjoy this vibrant Mediterranean salmon as part of your next dinner!
How to Serve Mediterranean Salmon
Serving Mediterranean salmon can enhance your dining experience. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various serving suggestions that complement the fresh flavors of the salmon and its toppings.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the salmon.
Serve with Grilled Vegetables
- Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a smoky flavor that pairs excellently with the lemony salmon.
Accompany with Quinoa
- Fluffy quinoa provides a nutty base that absorbs the juices from the salmon and its fresh toppings.
Offer Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices on your plate.
Prepare a Yogurt Sauce
- A tangy yogurt sauce with dill or cucumber offers a creamy contrast to the flavors of the Mediterranean salmon.
Garnish with Extra Herbs
- Fresh herbs like dill or mint sprinkled on top can enhance the overall presentation and flavor profile.
How to Perfect Mediterranean Salmon
Cooking Mediterranean salmon to perfection requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and produce significantly enhance flavor. Look for vibrant tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.
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Don’t overcook: Salmon should be flaky yet tender. Keep an eye on cooking times; it usually takes about 10 minutes total depending on thickness.
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Experiment with seasoning: While this recipe uses oregano, feel free to try other herbs like dill or thyme for different flavor profiles.
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Preheat your skillet: A properly heated pan ensures a beautiful sear on your salmon skin, locking in moisture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Mediterranean Salmon
To create a well-rounded meal featuring Mediterranean salmon, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.
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Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes adds depth to your meal.
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Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic and rosemary provide a hearty side that pairs well.
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Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice enhances freshness alongside your salmon.
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Tabbouleh Salad: This parsley-based salad brings a refreshing element that brightens the plate while adding texture.
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Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread offers a comforting touch, perfect for mopping up extra juices from your dish.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds seasonal sweetness that complements the savory notes of the salmon.
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Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf cooked in broth adds flavor and substance without overpowering the main dish.
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Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb option that keeps things healthy while adding color to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Mediterranean salmon, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Salmon: Cooking salmon for too long can lead to dryness. Aim for a cooking time of 7-10 minutes total.
- Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano and basil enhance flavor significantly. Always use fresh instead of dried for the best results.
- Not Seasoning Enough: A lack of seasoning can make the dish bland. Be generous with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- Ignoring the Skin: The skin adds flavor and helps keep the salmon moist. Cook with the skin side down to retain moisture.
- Rushing the Marinade: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This will help infuse it with flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mediterranean salmon in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mediterranean Salmon
- Wrap salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Mediterranean Salmon
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil, and warm the salmon for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mediterranean salmon that may help you in your cooking journey.
How do I know when my Mediterranean salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
What sides pair well with Mediterranean salmon?
Consider serving with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or quinoa for a balanced meal.
How can I customize my Mediterranean salmon?
Feel free to add other toppings like artichokes or peppers based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean salmon is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with various toppings or sides, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or elegant dinner parties. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Mediterranean Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Mediterranean Salmon is a delightful and healthy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of summer to your table in just 15 minutes. This mouthwatering recipe features flaky salmon fillets topped with a refreshing medley of cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings, it’s not only quick and easy but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins. Impress your guests or simply enjoy a wholesome meal at home with this versatile dish that pairs beautifully with salads, grains, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (5–6 ounces each)
- Fresh oregano
- Garlic cloves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green California ripe olives
- English cucumber
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
- Feta cheese
Instructions
- Season the salmon by combining it in a bowl with oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Cook the salmon skin side down for about 5 minutes; flip and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until cooked through.
- While cooking, mix together cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, parsley, basil, feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Serve the cooked salmon on a platter topped generously with the Mediterranean mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
