Mediterranean Salmon : Tender salmon is paired with wholesome ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic olive oil. It’s a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious option for weeknight dinners.
What Makes Mediterranean Salmon So Special?
Mediterranean Salmon isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. It combines the essence of the Mediterranean diet — widely celebrated for its health benefits — with the unbeatable taste of well-seasoned fish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mediterranean Salmon
- Use Wild-Caught Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, opt for wild-caught salmon rather than farmed.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon can become dry if overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (51°C) for perfectly moist fish.
- Room Temperature Fish: Let the salmon come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Variations to Try
- Feta-Crusted Salmon: Add a layer of crumbled feta cheese mixed with breadcrumbs and herbs before baking for a savory, crusty top.
- Spicy Mediterranean Salmon: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or harissa into the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Pesto Salmon: Top the fillets with a dollop of homemade or store-bought pesto for a rich, herby twist.
How to Serve Mediterranean Salmon
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Grains: Serve alongside quinoa, couscous, or orzo for a hearty meal.
- On a Salad: Flake the salmon over a bed of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette.
- In a Wrap: Stuff it into a pita or wrap with tzatziki, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a tasty lunch.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.
What herbs work best with Mediterranean flavors?
Oregano, thyme, dill, and parsley are classic choices, but you can also experiment with basil or marjoram.
How can I tell if my salmon is cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A food thermometer should read 125°F (51°C) at the thickest part.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the veggies and marinate the salmon a few hours ahead, but cook it right before serving for the best texture.
Mediterranean Salmon
Mediterranean Salmon : Tender salmon is paired with wholesome ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic olive oil. It's a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious option for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- (4) 5-6 oz salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for the skillet)
- Juice of one lemon
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
For the Mediterranean Topper:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅔ cup green California ripe olives, pitted and halved
- ½ English cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place salmon fillets in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with fresh oregano, minced garlic, a good drizzle of olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Toss to coat evenly. Season both sides with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place salmon fillets skin side down. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Flip gently with a fish spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- While the salmon is sizzling, toss together cherry tomatoes, green olives, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, basil, and crumbled feta in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, and mix well.
- Transfer the crispy, juicy salmon to a serving platter and generously spoon the Mediterranean topper over each fillet. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 668Total Fat 48gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 34gCholesterol 151mgSodium 712mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 51g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Salmon is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and healthy eating. Perfect for a busy weeknight or an elegant dinner party, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
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