This Mediterranean Salmon recipe is your ticket to a delicious, healthy, and incredibly fast weeknight dinner. Imagine perfectly flaky salmon infused with the bright, sunny flavors of lemon, oregano, and garlic, all cooked in a single pan. We’ll show you how to get that crispy skin and tender interior every single time. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home in under 30 minutes.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant cuisines of Greece and Italy, this dish is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and fits beautifully into a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Why This Mediterranean Salmon Recipe Works
You are going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. It’s not just about the incredible taste; it’s about simplicity and quality ingredients coming together to create something truly special.
- Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes of cooking, this is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: A simple yet powerful combination of classic Mediterranean ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil creates a symphony of flavor.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Rich in protein and healthy fats, this salmon dish is as good for you as it is delicious. It’s a cornerstone of the celebrated Mediterranean diet.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything comes together in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. A perfect example of this is our one-pan balsamic chicken and orzo, which our readers love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Salmon Fillets: Look for four 6-ounce salmon fillets, preferably with the skin on for that extra crispy texture. Wild-caught is fantastic, but good quality farmed salmon works wonderfully too.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is the heart of Mediterranean cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base.
- Lemon: We’ll use both the juice and zest for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh dill and parsley adds freshness and color.
- Dried Oregano: For that classic, earthy Greek flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness when cooked.
- Kalamata Olives: Their salty, briny flavor is essential for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy finish. Use a block of feta in brine for the best flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to cook your Mediterranean Salmon to perfection. It’s easier than you think!
1. Prepare the Salmon
First, pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is the most important step for achieving crispy skin! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon
Place a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear for 4-6 minutes, pressing down gently on the fillets for the first minute to ensure the skin makes full contact with the pan. You’ll see the color change as it cooks up the side. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
3. Build the Mediterranean Sauce
Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Combine and Finish
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them amongst the tomatoes and olives. Sprinkle the fresh dill, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese over the top. Let it cook for another minute for the flavors to meld together beautifully. For another quick and savory dish, try our creamy salmon piccata (coming soon).
Expert Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon
Want to elevate your salmon game? Here are a few professional tips to ensure flawless results every time you make this Mediterranean Salmon.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a skillet large enough to hold the salmon fillets without them touching. This ensures they sear rather than steam.
- Get the Pan Hot: A hot pan is crucial for a good sear. Make sure your olive oil is shimmering before you add the fish.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to check if salmon is cooked is to see if it flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after you remove it from the pan.
- Ingredient Variations: Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like capers, chopped artichoke hearts, or a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Salmon
This versatile salmon dish pairs well with a variety of sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving it with:
- Orzo or Couscous: A perfect base to soak up the delicious pan sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini complement the flavors wonderfully.
- A Fresh Salad: A simple green salad or our refreshing cucumber avocado salad (coming soon) would be a great choice.
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into that irresistible sauce.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in a preheated oven to avoid drying it out. You can also flake the cold salmon and use it to top a salad for a delicious lunch the next day!
Absolutely! To bake it, arrange the salmon and vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil and seasonings, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Top with fresh herbs and feta before serving.
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Fresh oregano, thyme, or even a bit of rosemary would also be delicious. Use what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.
The most reliable way to check for doneness is to see if the salmon flakes easily when pressed gently with a fork. The internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for medium-rare.
If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, you can substitute them with other brine-cured olives like Castelvetrano, or you can use capers for a similar salty, briny flavor.
You can use either wild-caught or high-quality farmed salmon. Coho or Sockeye are great wild options for their firm texture, while Atlantic salmon is a widely available farmed option. We recommend using fillets with the skin on for the best crispy texture.
Absolutely! To bake it, arrange the salmon and vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil and seasonings, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Top with fresh herbs and feta before serving.
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Fresh oregano, thyme, or even a bit of rosemary would also be delicious. Use what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.
The most reliable way to check for doneness is to see if the salmon flakes easily when pressed gently with a fork. The internal temperature should be between 125°F and 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for medium-rare.
If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, you can substitute them with other brine-cured olives like Castelvetrano, or you can use capers for a similar salty, briny flavor.
You can use either wild-caught or high-quality farmed salmon. Coho or Sockeye are great wild options for their firm texture, while Atlantic salmon is a widely available farmed option. We recommend using fillets with the skin on for the best crispy texture.
Enjoy Your Delicious Salmon!
This Mediterranean Salmon recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinarily flavorful and healthy meal. We know you’ll love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest!
Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
Mediterranean Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Place a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-6 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the salmon and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Return the salmon to the skillet. Sprinkle with fresh dill, parsley, and crumbled feta. Cook for one more minute to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Use feta from a block stored in brine for the best creamy texture and flavor.
