Take all of the flavours of the Mediterranean and sprinkle them over some salmon fillets for a quick and easy Mediterranean Salmon meal that is ready in under 20 minutes. Flake and add to salads or sandwiches, or have with a side of roasted garlic potatoes.
The light and fresh flavours of the mediterranean are always a favourite of ours in the summer months and this Mediterranean salmon has it all. Olives, capers, fresh lemon, garlic, tomatoes, feta and fresh herbs all go in to making this wonderfully light meal that can be served with all of your favourite sides.
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Why you will love it
- A delicious way to enjoy salmon
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Easy to adapt
- Great with roasted potatoes or a big green salad
Ingredients needed
- Salmon - We used salmon fillets, but you could use a whole side of salmon. This recipe works well with other fish too - cod, tilapia, pollack, hake or halibut would all be great for this recipe.
- Olives and capers - Makes a nice salty topping - we used mixed olives, but any will do. Not everyone likes capers, so feel free to omit them.
- Cherry tomatoes - Fresh is best - try to use vine ripened tomatoes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes - We wanted this topping to be tomato heavy, so we added some sun-dried tomatoes too.
- Garlic - Mediterranean dishes have to contain garlic!
- Lemon - Freshens the topping up.
- Feta - Adds a lovely creaminess to the topping.
- Parsley - The perfect herb for fish. Dill and chives also compliment salmon extremely well.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step by step
One: Mix all the topping ingredients in a bowl.
Two: Top the salmon fillets with the olive mixture and bake for 20 minutes.
Health benefits of salmon
- It is one of the best sources of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. Children who regularly consume foods rich in Omega-3 have been shown in studies to have increased concentration levels and improved learning abilities.
- Salmon is an excellent source of high quality protein - a 100g (3.5oz) portion contains 25g of protein.
- Contains high amounts of B vitamins. These are good for repairing DNA and reducing the causes that can lead to heart disease. B vitamins also help maintain optimal brain and nervous system functioning.
- Scientists are investigating the role fish consumption may have in protecting people from some cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, asthma, diabetes, macular degeneration, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis.
- Contains antioxidants.
How to choose salmon
When it comes to salmon, try to choose the best quality possible. Look out for fillets that look fresh and have a vibrant colour. Dull looking salmon will not be at its best. Also, if it smells overly fishy, that it is probably not very fresh.
What to serve with Mediterranean salmon?
If you want to save some time, then you can add some vegetables to the baking tray at the same time as the salmon and cook them all together. Make sure that they are softer vegetables that will cook at the same time as the salmon. If not, here are some delicious side dishes that will go well with:
- Mediterranean Potato Salad
- Cucumber Dill Salad
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Greek Potatoes
- Roasted Lemon Asparagus
- Instand Pot Mashed Potatoes
- No Mayo Coleslaw
- Baked Carrot Fries
- Easy Spanish Rice
- Baked Polenta Fries
- Mustard Potato Salad
We served ours with some roasted potato slices, broccoli and salad. However, plain couscous or rice works well, as the salmon itself has a lot of flavour.
FAQs
You can make the topping in advance and mix it all together and then it will keep in the fridge for a day. But it is best to cook the salmon in advance and then add the topping just before serving.
The cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork when it is cooked and to look at the salmon should be cooked all the way through. The fillet should still be a slightly translucent pink in the centre. If the centre is opaque, then it is probably overcooked. However, if the centre is completely translucent, it will need to be cooked longer. The best way to tell if it is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Salmon should be cooked to 62°C.
This is all best made fresh (apart from the topping which can be made in advance and kept in the fridge). However, if you do have leftovers, then you can flake it all up and put in an air tight container and keep it in the fridge for 2 days. It goes nicely on a salad or in a sandwich/wrap.
Whilst this is a salmon recipe, if you want to change things up a bit then you can use a different fish. Cod, tilapia, pollack, hake or halibut are a good substitution for salmon and go really well with the Mediterranean topping.
Extra tips
• You can use frozen salmon fillets (that have been defrosted) and that will save some money as they are generally cheaper than buying fresh.
• If you like your meals with a kick of spice, then add a sprinkling of red chilli flakes before serving.
• You can swap the feta for stilton.
• There is no need to remove the skin of the salmon. It has loads of nutritional benefits and leaving it on for cooking will keep the salmon moist too.
More salmon recipes
If you’ve tried this recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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Recipe
Mediterranean Salmon
Ingredients
- 480 g (1 lb) Salmon fillet - (about 240g/8oz per fillet)
- 12 g (1.5 tablespoon) Capers - chopped
- 40 g (0.33 cups) Sun-dried tomatoes - chopped
- 90 g (0.66 cups) Cherry tomatoes - chopped
- 75 g (0.5 cups) Mixed olives - sliced
- 10 g (0.25 cups) Fresh parsley - chopped
- 1 Lemon - juice only
- 2 Garlic clove - crushed
- 65 g (0.5 cups) Feta - crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat you oven to 220°C/200°C/425°F/Gas 7.
- Mix all of the topping ingredients together.
- Top the salmon fillets with the topping mixture.
- Bake in for 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Recipe Tips
- You can use frozen salmon fillets (that have been defrosted) and that will save some money as they are generally cheaper than buying fresh.
- If you like your meals with a kick of spice, then add a sprinkling of red chilli flakes before serving.
- You can swap the feta for stilton.
- There is no need to remove the skin of the salmon. It has loads of nutritional benefits and leaving it on for cooking will keep the salmon moist too.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Sara | Belly Rumbles says
Talk about flavour packed, simply delicious.
Dannii says
It really is.
Azlin Bloor says
We have salmon twice a week, and I am sooo going to make this! I love sundried tomatoes and paste, so I know I'm going to love this!
Dannii says
This sounds like the perfect recipe for you to try then!
Asha Zilna says
I am going to be making this tonight to put in to pita bread with some tzatziki.
Dannii says
That sounds like a great way to enjoy them.
Zara says
These look beautiful and my husband and I would love them. Do you think this would work with cod as well?
Dannii says
Yes, I think it would really well with cod.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I agree! I like to put as many colors in my food as possible. These look so good!
Dannii says
The more colour the better we say!
Rachel says
This looks just so tasty, I adore olives anyway and can happily eat a whole tub x
Dannii says
If you love olives, you will love this!
Chantelle Hazelden says
This sounds delicious, perfect for the warmer weather.
Dannii says
Which seems to have arrived today too. Yay!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Such a quick speedy dinner idea! Almost like a posh toast with a topping, but using salmon instead.
Dannii says
Haha, I guess it does look like that.
Ellen says
I always have trouble spelling Mediteranean (I'm not even sure that's correct!). This looks super fresh and tasty. Your previous recipes with Cirio convinced me to try them out and I can honestly say that I will never go back to value or even own brand tomatoes now. These are SO good!
Dannii says
Yay! I am so glad that you are a Cirio convert!
Beth @ Twinderelmo says
Your photos are to die for! Personally though I hate tomato (which is a nightmare!) but even I have to admit these look just amazing x
Dannii says
Awwwh thank you. But Cirio tomatoes are the best tomatoes.
David @ Spiced says
Digging the pizza peel/cutting board there, Dannii! I'm also digging the flavors of this salmon. Leftover olives are never a bad thing...especially when they get introduced to grilled salmon. Looks delish!
Dannii says
There usually isn't such a thing as leftover olives in our house.
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Wow, I can't believe there's only 268 calories a serving! That's amazing. Love those olives on top. Haven't had those in a long while.
Dannii says
Perfect to go with a salad for a low calorie meal.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
You had me at olive! Olives are my absolute weakness...I could pop open a jar or can and eat ALL kinds by the hanful! This salmon looks so good, Dannii! I am definitely trying this one out...looks so fresh and flavorful!
Dannii says
Olives are such a tempting snack, aren't they.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Can we talk about how these look like mini pizza's? Because that is awesome.
Dannii says
They just need some cheese on them.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Gorgeous colour and fantastic flavour...bet they are super delicious.
Dannii says
They really are! We might have them again for lunch.