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This Mediterranean salmon transforms a weeknight dinner into a coastal vacation with minimal effort. The bright flavors of tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs complement the rich salmon perfectly, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something impressive yet effortless. The vibrant colors and Mediterranean flavors transported our family dinner from ordinary to extraordinary, and now it appears on our table at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: choose wild-caught Atlantic or Sockeye for the best flavor and nutrition
- Extra virgin olive oil: use a good quality oil as its flavor will shine in this dish
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens all the flavors and helps cut through the richness of the salmon
- Cherry tomatoes: select ripe, firm tomatoes for the perfect burst of sweetness
- Red onion: provides a pleasant bite that mellows during baking
- Kalamata olives: their briny flavor adds the quintessential Mediterranean touch
- Fresh basil: adds a finishing aromatic note that elevates the entire dish
- Dried oregano: authentic Mediterranean flavor that holds up well during baking
- Salt: enhances all the flavors and helps season the salmon properly
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Heat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat your baking dish with olive oil. This temperature is perfect for salmon as it cooks quickly while keeping the fish moist. Make sure your baking dish is large enough to hold the salmon without overcrowding.
- Create Mediterranean Topping:
- Mix cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt in a bowl until everything is coated with the oil and seasonings. Take time to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The acid from the lemon juice will begin to slightly soften the onions.
- Arrange Salmon and Vegetables:
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in your prepared baking dish, leaving some space between each piece. Spoon the vegetable mixture around the salmon, making sure some tomatoes and olives nestle against the fish. Drizzle a little additional olive oil over each salmon fillet to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully after the 15-minute mark. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking will dry out the salmon, so err on the side of less time if unsure.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the hot dish just before serving. The heat will release the aromatic oils in the basil, perfuming the entire dish. Serve immediately while hot.
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The combination of salty olives with sweet tomatoes creates magic in this dish. My husband, who claimed not to like olives, became a convert after trying this salmon. The olives soften and mellow during baking, taking on the flavors of the herbs and lemon while contributing their rich umami quality.
Make Ahead Options
This Mediterranean salmon can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for entertaining. Prepare everything through step 3, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed. The flavors actually deepen when the ingredients have time to mingle.
Variations to Try
While the classic Mediterranean version is perfect as is, you can customize this dish based on what you have available. Try adding artichoke hearts, capers, or roasted red peppers to the vegetable mixture. For a creamier version, crumble some feta cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also substitute the salmon with other firm fish like halibut or sea bass with excellent results.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this salmon with a simple side of couscous or orzo pasta to soak up the flavorful juices. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully. For a complete Mediterranean meal, start with a simple Greek salad and end with fresh fruit drizzled with honey. The lightness of these sides allows the salmon to remain the star of the show.
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Recipe FAQs
- → What sides pair well with Mediterranean Salmon?
Mediterranean Salmon pairs wonderfully with couscous, quinoa, or orzo pasta. For vegetables, consider roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple Greek salad. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetable mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The salmon is best cooked just before serving, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- → What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives aren't available, you can substitute with black olives, green olives, or even capers for a similar briny flavor. If you're not an olive fan, try adding artichoke hearts or extra cherry tomatoes instead.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Mediterranean Salmon is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any store-bought ingredients like olives don't contain gluten additives. Pair with gluten-free sides like rice or potatoes to maintain a gluten-free meal.
- → How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork but still maintain a slightly translucent center. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C). The fish will continue cooking slightly after removing from the oven.
- → Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?
Yes, frozen salmon works well. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.