Easy & Delish Mediterranean Salmon
Add Preferred SourceWhen it comes to preparing a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious, Mediterranean salmon is one of my absolute favorites. It combines the rich, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with easy to find salmon. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect any night of the week!
My family loves salmon, and even though we’re landlocked, we get great quality salmon in our local stores. That makes it super easy to make recipes like this amazing Mediterranean Salmon.
If you were in Greece, you’d find a dish like this made with branzino (sea bass) or cod. Salmon isn’t local, so it’s not as common. However, it’s perfect for those who can’t get branzino. Like me!
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Buy Now!The beauty in this recipe is the humble and simple ingredients. Use the freshest tomatoes, the best olives, and don’t skimp on the garlic and capers. It’s a quick cooking recipe, but the veggies soften and make a luscious sauce that you can spoon over the top.
Serve this dish with a side of buttery orzo or rice and you’re all set! Dig in!
Ingredients
- Olive oil – I divide it so some is used for marinating the salmon and some for the pan; a good-quality oil makes a noticeable difference.
- Salmon filets – I like 5–6 ounce filets; they cook evenly without drying out.
- Dried oregano – I use dried oregano for consistent flavor; fresh can be too subtle here.
- Garlic powder – Sprinkle lightly so it complements the fresh garlic without overpowering.
- Salt – I cook with kosher salt.
- Fresh pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper has the best flavor.
- Grape tomatoes – I like grape tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes cut in half work just as well.
- Kalamata olives – Pit them if needed, and add according to your salt preference.
- Capers – Drained; I always rinse them slightly to take off excess brine.
- Garlic cloves – Sliced fresh garlic only; jarred garlic can turn bitter when cooked.
- Shallot – Slice thinly so it softens quickly and blends with the other ingredients.
- Fresh basil – Add at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Lemon – Use fresh lemon juice and zest; it lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
How To Make Mediterranean Salmon
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and brush the bottom of a 10×10-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pat the salmon fillets dry, brush them lightly with olive oil, and arrange them skin-side down in the dish.
In a small bowl, combine the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the salmon.
Mix the grape tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and shallot with the remaining olive oil. Scatter the mixture around the salmon, keeping it off the top so the fish roasts evenly.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F when checked with a digital thermometer. Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be moist and flaky. If you see the white proteins start to come out of the salmon, it is overcooked.
- Add a splash of white wine to the baking dish for even more flavor.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning
- You can use dill or parsley instead of basil. But use fresh herbs, not dried, for the best flavor.
Make It A Meal
Mediterranean salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a light, refreshing cucumber and feta salad, or keep it classic with a side of roasted potatoes. For a complete Mediterranean feast, add some hummus and pita bread on the side. A crisp, chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will round out your meal.
Storage
Store any leftover Mediterranean salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Easy & Delish Mediterranean Salmon
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 -5 salmon filets 5-6 ounce filets
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch fresh pepper
- 1 cup grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes cut in half
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons capers drained
- 2- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 shallot sliced thinly
- fresh basil
- lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and brush the bottom of a 10×10-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel, brush them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then arrange them skin side down in your oiled baking dish.
- Combine the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and fresh ground pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the salmon.
- Mix the grape tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and shallot in a small bowl and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Scatter them around, but not on top of, the salmon.
- Bake at 350-F for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is at least 125-F with a digital meat thermometer.
- Remove it from the oven and squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil .
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be moist and flaky. If you see the white proteins start to come out of the salmon, it is overcooked.
- Add a splash of white wine to the baking dish for even more flavor.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning
- You can use dill or parsley instead of basil. But use fresh herbs, not dried, for the best flavor.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
Simple, creative, beautiful, elegant and delicious! Thank you for a great healthy meal option.
You’re welcome! We eat salmon this way a lot – I hope you love it! ~Jenn