Pan-Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a bright, tangy relish of tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted and sliced kalamata olives for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix gently and set aside to marinate.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Transfer salmon to plates and spoon the tomato and olive relish generously over each fillet before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish?

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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish 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.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Relish gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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