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Fresh Mediterranean Salmon

Fresh Mediterranean Salmon

Fresh Mediterranean Salmon is a vibrant, healthy dish featuring tender and juicy salmon fillets infused with bright Mediterranean herbs, zesty lemon, and a hint of olive oil. This easy-to-make recipe celebrates the natural flavors of the fish, delivering a perfectly flaky texture and restaurant-quality taste that is both wholesome and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasonings

  • 4 skin-on fresh Mediterranean salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Herb and Lemon Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for searing)

Optional

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with sea salt and ground black pepper to bring out their natural flavor.
  2. Make the Herb and Lemon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped parsley, dill, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir well to blend the ingredients into a bright, flavorful mixture.
  3. Sear the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes to crisp the skin and seal in moisture. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Add the Herb Lemon Topping: Reduce the heat to low and spoon the herb and lemon mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. If using cherry tomatoes, add them to the skillet now to soften slightly and absorb the olive oil flavors. Warm through for about 1 minute to meld the flavors.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes to lock in juices. Plate with desired sides and finish with extra fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for garnish.

Notes

  • Choose wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and better texture.
  • Do not overcook salmon; it should be just opaque and flaky.
  • Let the salmon come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
  • Press down gently on the fillet while searing skin-side down to prevent curling and ensure crispiness.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end or just before serving for maximum aroma and brightness.
  • Use a fish spatula to flip the salmon carefully without breaking the fillets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salmon, healthy salmon recipe, fresh herbs salmon, quick salmon dish, gluten free salmon