Mediterranean Salmon with Olive Oil, Lemon & Herbs
Baked salmon fillets topped with a vibrant herb mixture of parsley, dill, and lemon zest. Simple, elegant, and ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Fish
Base
Herbs
Flavor
Aromatics
Seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat and prep. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat salmon fillets dry and place skin-side down.
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Make the herb topping. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, parsley, dill, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Season the salmon. Drizzle salmon with lemon juice, then spoon the herb mixture generously over each fillet.
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Bake. Roast for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 125°F for medium.
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Rest and serve. Let rest for 2 minutes. Serve with additional lemon wedges and a drizzle of fresh olive oil.
Storage & Meal Prep
Cooked salmon keeps for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. It's excellent cold on salads or in grain bowls. Don't reheat in the microwave—serve cold or at room temperature.
Variations
- Baked Mediterranean Salmon: Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of pan-searing for easier cleanup and more even cooking.
- Mediterranean Salmon with Tomatoes and Olives: Add halved cherry tomatoes and olives to the pan for a one-pan meal.
- Salmon with Tahini Sauce: Replace the herb topping with a drizzle of tahini-lemon sauce for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
FAQ
How do you get crispy skin on salmon?
Pat the skin completely dry, season it, and place skin-side down in a hot pan with oil. Press gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to prevent curling. Cook 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crispy.
Is salmon part of the Mediterranean diet?
While traditional Mediterranean diets focus on smaller fish like sardines and anchovies, salmon is an excellent choice for its omega-3 fatty acid content. The cooking method here—olive oil, lemon, herbs—is authentically Mediterranean.
How long do you cook salmon?
For a 1-inch thick fillet: pan-sear 4-5 minutes skin-side down, then 2-3 minutes on the flesh side. The center should be slightly translucent for medium. Total cooking time is about 7-8 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Customize Ingredients
Per Serving
The Story Behind This Dish
The Mediterranean approach to salmon is refreshingly straightforward: good fish, good oil, fresh herbs, and lemon. No heavy sauces, no complicated techniques.
The key is to not overcook it. Pull the salmon from the oven when it’s just barely done in the center—it will continue cooking as it rests. The flesh should flake but still be slightly translucent in the very middle.
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