Baked Mediterranean Herb Salmon with Lemon and Olives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An aromatic baked salmon infused with Mediterranean herbs, fresh lemon slices, and briny olives for a light and flavorful dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired game-day recipe, ready in about 28 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, lemon, kalamata olives for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Mince 3 garlic cloves and mix with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 salmon fillets (150 grams each) on the tray skin-side down and brush the herb oil mixture evenly over each fillet.
  4. Step 4: Thinly slice 1 large lemon and arrange the slices over and around the salmon, then scatter 60 grams halved kalamata olives over the top.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the lemon slices are slightly caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Mediterranean Herb Salmon with Lemon and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Mediterranean Herb Salmon with Lemon and Olives?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Mediterranean Herb Salmon with Lemon and Olives?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Mediterranean Herb Salmon with Lemon and Olives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Mediterranean Herb Salmon with Lemon and Olives?

Mediterranean game day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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