Name: Easy Salmon Dinner (Mediterranean Style)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; ½ cup mixed olives, sliced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste

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This Easy Salmon Dinner is a flavorful balance of crisp freshness and rich, tender salmon. The fillets are seared to perfection with golden edges and juicy centers, then topped with a Mediterranean-inspired salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with nutrients, and comes together in just 20 minutes perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners at home.

Pin for later! Save this recipe to your healthy dinner board on Pinterest so you’ll always have a quick and delicious meal ready to go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy dinner is ready in just 20 minutes.
Balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.
Bright Mediterranean flavors that feel refreshing and light.
Impressive enough for guests but simple for weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

Skillet (cast iron or nonstick): For perfectly searing salmon with crispy skin.
Mixing Bowl: To toss the Mediterranean salad topping.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping veggies quickly and evenly.
Fish Spatula: To flip salmon without breaking the fillet.
Citrus Juicer: Optional, but helpful for extracting all the lemon juice.

Having these tools on hand makes cooking efficient and results restaurant-quality.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ cup mixed olives, sliced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Salmon Dinner

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable). Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden, crisp, and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve salmon fillets hot, topped generously with the fresh Mediterranean salad.

How to Serve Easy Salmon Dinner

Serve with warm pita bread or garlic naan on the side.
Pair with rice pilaf or couscous for a heartier meal.
Add a light soup starter like lentil or tomato basil.
Enjoy with roasted vegetables such as zucchini or asparagus.
Top with extra feta or drizzle of tahini for richness.

Tips for Success

Pat salmon dry before searing for the crispiest crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Use fresh lemon juice — it makes the topping bright and zesty.
For extra flavor, marinate salmon in olive oil, garlic, and paprika for 15 minutes before cooking.
If using skin-on fillets, start with skin side down for crispness.

Best Side Dishes

Lemon herb rice pilaf.
Roasted potatoes with rosemary.
Greek salad with extra olives and cucumbers.
Steamed asparagus or broccoli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking salmon: Cook just until opaque and flaky. Overcooking makes it dry.
Not heating skillet enough: A hot skillet ensures golden, crisp salmon.
Skipping seasoning: The spice mix adds essential flavor depth.
Too much topping liquid: Drain extra juice from the salad so salmon stays crisp.
Using old salmon: Always cook with the freshest fillets for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store salmon and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze salmon fillets without topping for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm salmon gently in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving to keep texture flaky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.

Can I use other fish?
Absolutely. Try cod, trout, or halibut for similar results.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Omit feta or use a dairy-free feta substitute.

Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Yes. Mix the salad up to 2 hours ahead, but add lemon juice just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Salmon Dinner is fresh, flavorful, and full of Mediterranean charm. It’s light enough for warm evenings yet satisfying enough for a hearty dinner. With golden seared salmon and a vibrant salad topping, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite weeknight go-to.

Easy Salmon Dinner (Mediterranean Style)