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Flavorful Mediterranean Salmon Recipe with Easy Olive Tapenade Topping

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A quick and easy Mediterranean salmon dish topped with a vibrant olive tapenade, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (from a medium lemon)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed (or splash of white wine vinegar)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the olive tapenade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Kalamata olives, green olives, capers, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. Stir gently to mix all flavors.
  3. Season the salmon fillets: Pat dry with paper towels, brush both sides lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until skin is crisp and fillets release easily.
  5. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2 minutes until golden-brown on the outside.
  6. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the olive tapenade evenly over each salmon fillet.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes until salmon flakes easily but remains juicy.
  8. Remove from oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices.
  9. Serve warm, optionally drizzling with extra virgin olive oil or fresh lemon juice and garnish with extra parsley.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning for a crispy sear. Add tapenade just before oven finishing to avoid mushiness. Watch oven time closely to prevent overcooking. Tapenade can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. For a low sodium option, rinse olives and capers before use.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salmon, olive tapenade, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, easy fish recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo

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