Name: Easy Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 lemon; 1 tbsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ cup Kalamata olives (chopped); ¼ cup red onion (diced); ½ cup cucumber (diced); ¼ cup feta cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil for garnish

Elevate your dinner routine with this vibrant Mediterranean salmon recipe that brings together the rich flavors of the Mediterranean coast right to your kitchen. This foolproof dish combines fresh salmon fillets with classic Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and lemon for a healthy, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.

Why You'll Love This Mediterranean Salmon Recipe

This Mediterranean-style salmon has become a favorite among home cooks for its perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. The combination of heart-healthy salmon and Mediterranean ingredients creates a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

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Why You'll Love This Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
Storage Instructions
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Dietary Benefits
Top Tip
FAQ
Related
Pairing
Easy Mediterranean Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

the Salmon:

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 for serving)
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

the Mediterranean Topping:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

Prepare the Mediterranean Topping

In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, diced red onion, and cucumber.
Add chopped parsley, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
Gently toss everything together and set aside to let the flavors meld while preparing the salmon.
Just before serving, fold in the crumbled feta cheese.

Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Brush each salmon fillet with olive oil, then evenly distribute the herb mixture over the fillets.
Let the salmon marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Cook the Salmon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the hot pan.
Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

Serve

Transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates.
Top each fillet generously with the Mediterranean topping.
Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Equipment For Mediterranean Salmon Recipe

Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
Sharp knife for chopping herbs and vegetables
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons and cups
Instant-read thermometer (recommended)

Storage Instructions

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep the Mediterranean topping separate from cooked salmon when storing.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can gently reheat the salmon in a 275°F oven until just warmed through.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Version: Skip the feta cheese or replace it with dairy-free alternatives.
Herb Variations: Substitute fresh dill or rosemary for the herbs listed.
Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste or omit them entirely.
Different Fish: This recipe works well with other firm white fish like halibut or sea bass.

Dietary Benefits

This Mediterranean salmon recipe is:

Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
High in protein
Naturally gluten-free
Low-carb and keto-friendly
Packed with antioxidants from fresh herbs and vegetables

Top Tip

Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best results. Wild-caught salmon typically offers superior flavor and texture.

Don't skip patting the salmon dry – this ensures a beautiful golden crust when cooking.

Allow the salmon to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Don't move the salmon while it's cooking – let it develop a nice crust before flipping.

FAQ

Can you eat salmon on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes! Salmon is perfect for the Mediterranean diet. It's healthy, full of good fats, and recommended to eat at least twice a week.

Can I make the Mediterranean topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the topping up to 4 hours in advance. Add the feta cheese just before serving for the best texture.

Can I bake this salmon instead of pan-searing?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

This Mediterranean salmon recipe proves that spectacular meals don't need to be complicated. With fresh herbs, tangy feta, and perfectly cooked salmon, you'll have a restaurant-worthy dish on your table in just 30 minutes.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

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Pairing

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