Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Feta Crumbles

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Whole sea bream pan-seared until crisp-skinned and served with a fresh, tangy tomato and olive salsa topped with creamy feta cheese. This greek-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 22 minutes blends olive oil, garlic cloves, sliced, cherry tomatoes, quartered 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 420 calories and feeds 2, 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: 12 min Serves 2 Greek cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 whole sea bream (about 1.5 pounds each), then season inside and out with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the fish to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until the skin is crisp and golden, then carefully flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While fish cooks, combine 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the tomato-olive salsa and toss gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve the sea bream hot, topped generously with the fresh tomato-olive salsa and 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Feta Crumbles take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Feta Crumbles?

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 Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Feta Crumbles?

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 Sea Bream with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Feta Crumbles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Sea Bream with Tomato-Olive Salsa and Feta Crumbles?

Greek 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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