Vibrant Mediterranean Salmon

This vibrant Mediterranean Salmon has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its fresh flavors and simple preparation. The combination of juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and flaky salmon creates a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 35 minutes.

I first made this recipe when trying to incorporate more fish into our family meals. What started as a healthy dinner experiment has become our most requested meal when guests come over, always earning rave reviews for its vibrant colors and Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets: About 6 oz each. Look for wild-caught salmon with firm flesh and a fresh ocean scent
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Plus more for drizzling. The fruity notes enhance all the Mediterranean elements
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed makes a noticeable difference in brightness
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes: Halved. Choose ripe ones with deep color for the sweetest flavor
• ½ small red onion: Thinly sliced. The mild sharpness balances the rich salmon
• ½ cup Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved. Their distinctive brininess is essential to the Mediterranean profile
• 2 tbsp fresh basil: Chopped. Adds a fragrant finishing touch that brings everything together
• 1 tsp dried oregano: The earthy flavor infuses throughout during baking
• ½ tsp salt: Sea salt works beautifully here to enhance the natural flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Turn your oven to 400°F and prepare your baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. This temperature creates the perfect environment for cooking salmon through while keeping it moist.

Prepare the Mediterranean Topping:

Combine the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt in a mixing bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until each piece is coated with the olive oil and seasonings. This mixture will create a flavorful bath for the salmon while baking.

Arrange the Salmon:

Place your salmon fillets skin side down in the baking dish, leaving a small space between each piece. Carefully spoon the vegetable mixture around the salmon, not on top, so the fish cooks evenly. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over each fillet to keep the tops moist during baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets. You will know they are done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. The salmon should look opaque but still be moist.

Add Fresh Herbs and Serve:

Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over everything. The residual heat will release the basil's aromatic oils. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

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The Kalamata olives are my secret weapon in this recipe. Their rich, fruity flavor creates an incredible contrast with the sweet tomatoes and savory salmon. My husband, who claimed he hated olives for twenty years, actually asks for extra now after trying them in this dish.

Perfect Pairings

This Mediterranean salmon shines when served with simple sides that complement without overpowering. A light quinoa pilaf makes an excellent base to soak up the flavorful juices. For a complete Mediterranean experience, serve with a classic Greek salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice. The cool, crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the warm salmon.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the Mediterranean topping mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more flavorful final dish. When ready to cook, simply arrange the salmon in your baking dish and surround it with the cold topping mixture. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time since you are starting with cold ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If salmon is not available, this Mediterranean treatment works beautifully with other firm fish like halibut or sea bass. For a more budget-friendly option, try using cod fillets. Not a fan of Kalamata olives? Green olives provide a milder flavor while still delivering that essential Mediterranean character. Fresh herbs can be swapped based on what you have available—rosemary or dill both work wonderfully in place of basil.

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This dish allows the vibrant and simple flavors of the Mediterranean to shine—perfect for any occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning. You may need to extend the cooking time by 2-3 minutes if the salmon is still slightly cold.

→ What sides pair well with Mediterranean salmon?

This salmon pairs beautifully with couscous, quinoa, or orzo pasta. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers make excellent sides, as does a simple Greek salad. For a lighter option, serve with steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

→ Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tomato-olive mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The salmon can be seasoned a few hours before cooking. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve for a quick weeknight meal.

→ How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is cooked perfectly when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside. The center should be slightly translucent and reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking as salmon can dry out quickly. When in doubt, it's better to slightly undercook as it will continue cooking briefly after removing from the oven.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients in this Mediterranean salmon?

This dish is very flexible! You can substitute green olives for Kalamata, use grape tomatoes instead of cherry, add capers for extra tanginess, or include artichoke hearts. If fresh basil isn't available, try fresh parsley or dill. You can even add crumbled feta cheese in the last few minutes of baking for a Greek-inspired variation.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Mediterranean salmon works well for meal prep. Cook completely, then portion into containers with your choice of sides. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave at medium power or enjoy cold in a salmon salad.