Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Preserved Lemon and Olive Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky sea bass grilled to perfection and topped with a vibrant salsa of preserved lemon, olives, and fresh herbs, evoking coastal Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 20 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) sea bass fillets, extra virgin olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 sea bass fillets with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and season evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Grill sea bass fillets skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and fish easily releases from the grill; flip and grill an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While fish cooks, combine 1 finely chopped preserved lemon, 1/3 cup pitted chopped Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 small finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Stir well.
  4. Step 4: Plate grilled sea bass and spoon the olive and preserved lemon salsa generously over each fillet. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Preserved Lemon and Olive Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Preserved Lemon and Olive Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Preserved Lemon and Olive Salsa?

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 Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Preserved Lemon and Olive Salsa 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 Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass with Preserved Lemon and Olive Salsa?

Mediterranean seafood 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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