This baked Mediterranean salmon is bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Tender salmon fillets are baked with olive oil, garlic, lemon, olives, and capers for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired dinner that feels light enough for spring and summer but satisfying enough for busy weeknights.
Author’s Note
Mediterranean-style meals are some of the recipes I make often. For this reason I have an entire category dedicated to Mediterranean Recipes here on my blog. As someone who cooks seasonally and gardens throughout the summer, I naturally gravitate toward simple combinations like olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs from my garden, lemon, olives, and capers this time of year, especially when asparagus and parsley are growing faster than I can keep up with in the garden.
This baked Mediterranean salmon is one of those dinners that feels impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight. The buttery garlic sauce, briny olives and capers, and fresh parsley all come together in a way that makes simple salmon feel incredibly special without requiring much effort.
If you enjoy these fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors, my very popular Mediterranean shrimp recipe is another favorite I make on repeat during spring and summer.
What Makes This Mediterranean Salmon
What gives this salmon its Mediterranean-inspired flavor is the combination of simple, fresh ingredients commonly used throughout Mediterranean cooking. Olive oil, garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, olives, and capers. Instead of relying on heavy sauces or breading, Mediterranean-style meals focus on bright flavors, healthy fats, fresh vegetables, and high-protein ingredients that feel both nourishing and satisfying.
This recipe leans into those classic Mediterranean flavors with buttery baked salmon, briny olives and capers, plenty of fresh parsley, and tender asparagus on the side for a fresh, balanced dinner that’s perfect for spring and summer cooking.
What to look for when buying salmon?
When buying salmon, look for a fish that has a healthy flesh that is pinkish or red-orange. The difference in colors has to do with the fish’s diet. Generally speaking, when buying fish make sure it smells like the sea and not fishy.
Mediterranean Flavors You’ll Love
Do you eat the skin on salmon?
Salmon skin is safe to eat. Some people love it and swear by it, while others not so much. I encourage you to try and see how you like it. Your best bet is trying salmon skin that is well cooked/ roasted and a bit on the crunchy or toasted side.
How to store leftover salmon?
You can store leftover salmon in an airtight glass container for up to two days. I love adding a pinch of fresh herbs to my leftover salmon to add brightness and fresh flavors.
What temperature should salmon be consumed at?
According to the FDA the minimal internal temperature for salmon is 145˚Degrees Fahrenheit. Using a digital thermometer, insert into the thickest part of the salmon to measure temperature accurately.
What vegetables go well with salmon?
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed collard greens or kale
- Roasted peppers
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
What to serve this mediterranean salmon with:
There are several delicious options to serve alongside Mediterranean salmon to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Here are a few suggestions;
Grilled or Sautéed Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes complement the flavors of Mediterranean salmon beautifully.
Quinoa or Couscous: Serve the salmon with a side of quinoa tabbouleh or mediterranean couscous or mediterranean chickpea pasta salad seasoned with herbs, lemon zest, and a touch of olive oil. These grains provide a hearty and nutritious base for the meal.
Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese make a delicious and satisfying side dish
Herb-Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs make a flavorful and elegant side dish for salmon.
Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette: Serve slices of garlic bread or toasted baguette alongside the salmon to soak up any flavorful juices and add a comforting element to the meal.
A Mediterranean Salmon Recipe Perfect for Entertaining
This is one of those recipes that looks far more impressive than the amount of effort it actually takes, which is exactly why I love making it for spring and summer entertaining.
What I especially love about Mediterranean-style meals for entertaining is how effortlessly beautiful they feel. Fresh herbs, olive oil, citrus, and seasonal vegetables naturally create colorful dishes that feel both comforting and elevated at the same time.
➜ Easy salmon recipe for weeknight dinners
➜ Spring and Summer hosting
➜ Dinner parties and entertaining
➜ Al fresco dining that looks fancy but it’s easy
Mediterranean Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb wild salmon
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus
- 1/2 cup olives
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 whole lemon
- 4 cloves garlic sliced
- fresh parsley
- 1 pinch sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Add the salmon and asparagus to a large sheet pan. Drizzle the salmon and asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with sea salt and black pepper. Bake for 25 minutes total, removing the asparagus after about 18 minutes so it stays tender but not overcooked.
- While the salmon bakes, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the garlic and capers, cooking briefly until fragrant. Add the chopped olives and parsley, then season with a pinch of sea salt.
- Once the salmon is fully cooked, spoon the hot garlic oil with olives, capers, and parsley over the salmon. Serve warm with the roasted asparagus.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Mediterranean salmon and asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best freshness, store the olive and caper topping separately if possible.Reheating Instructions
Reheat the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, though the salmon will stay more tender when reheated slowly. For best flavor, spoon the olive, caper, and garlic mixture over the salmon after reheating before serving.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Mediterranean Salmon looks delicious, I just want to devour it off the screen! Thanks for sharing, Silvia!
I am so glad you enjoyed! xoxo
I had a similar Mediterranean salmon at a restaurant recently and found myself craving it and wondering if I could recreate it today. Thanks, Silvia
Absolutely! I hope you like it 🙂
What kind of olives are you using?
Kalamata olives but you can use any olives you like 🙂
Your recipe looks excellent!
I want to store it in an airtight container, as your article mentions, what is the best way to reheat the salmon?
Hi Claira, thanks so much!! my preferred form of reheating most foods is on stove top, low-heat on a skillet only because I try to avoid using microwave whenever possible. Of course the microwave works just find. I wouldn’t re-heat in the oven because that might make the salmon a bit dry. Hope this helps and please let me know how you like it!
Silvia, your salmon recipe was fantastic! I made it last night for dinner and loved it. The salmon was cooked perfectly, the flavor is wonderful, and so quick to make!
Thank you!