If you’re looking to make a delicious, gourmet meal in 20 minutes with only 5 ingredients—you’ve definitely come to the right place! My 20 Minute Baked Mediterranean Salmon with lemon, garlic, & fresh parsley is bursting with all of my favorite flavors. It’s such an easy recipe, and pairs well with any side dish you love. It’s full of the staple flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine—garlic, olive oil, lemon, and parsley. 🌿🍋
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
How to Make 20 Minute Baked Mediterranean Salmon
Salmon is a really versatile and delicious fish that can be prepared in many different ways, and is loaded with essential nutrients. Of course, this recipe with a Mediterranean twist is currently my favorite way to make salmon! This recipe is one of the most beautiful and easy dishes, and truly never fails to impress when served. I love that it’s so pretty to look at, requires barely any skill, and hardly any clean-up! Now that’s what I call a recipe!
Mediterranean Salmon Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Fillets
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Lemons juiced
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic
- 1/2 Cup Parsley chopped
Step-By-Step Details
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Get out a medium baking dish or sheet pan, and add the two salmon fillets skin down to the bottom of the dish or pan.
Pour the olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon. Then spread the parsley and the minced garlic evenly on each salmon fillet. Lastly, sprinkle with salt and black pepper for a final touch of flavor!
Bake the salmon for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. You will know when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon has reached 145°F. Watch the salmon carefully as to not over cook.
Transfer the salmon to a serving platter and serve with your favorite salad or side—enjoy! 🤌🏽
How to Pan-Fry Salmon
If you’d prefer to make the salmon on the stove, it’s a super easy method! Heat a large cast-iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the bottom of the pan while it heats up. When the pan is hot (after about 2 minutes) add the salmon. Cook each side for about 4 minutes, or until the internal temp has reached 145°F.
Health Benefits of Eating Salmon
Salmon is packed with nutrients that are great for your health. It’s a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and can help reduce inflammation. Salmon is also rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. Adding salmon to your diet here and there can be a tasty way to support your health.
Can You Eat Salmon On The Mediterranean Diet?
Yes! Salmon can definitely be eaten on the Mediterranean Diet. Here’s an in-depth list of what can be eaten on the Mediterranean Diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Either is great, I prefer to bake salmon. But it’s all about personal preference. Baking definitely makes it easier, but will take a little longer.
I always leave the skin on the salmon. It helps keep the salmon tender in my opinion, and is very easy to remove once cooked.
Yes! The piece of salmon I used in this recipe was about 1 1/2 inches thick. If you have a thicker piece of salmon, you may need to cook it for longer, just be sure to keep checking on it so they don’t dry out. If the piece of salmon you’re cooking with is thinner, check back after 12 minutes in the oven. The amount of time you will cook the salmon all depends on its thickness. Remember, you’ll know it’s done when the internal temp has reached 145°F.
Yes! While salmon is not a fish in the Mediterranean Sea, it is a fish included in the popular Mediterranean Diet!
Leftover baked Mediterranean salmon is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes! You can freeze the salmon if you don’t plan on enjoying it in the next 4 days.
Reheat the leftover salmon in the oven or a toaster oven at 300°F. For about 8 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but I prefer it in the oven!
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Baked Mediterranean Salmon
Salmon is an amazing protein source, and you can serve it with so many different sides. Personally I love to pair this recipe with my Greek Quinoa Salad, or my Quinoa Cucumber Salad!
Any roasted veggie goes beautifully with salmon—asparagus, zucchini noodles, sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli, & roasted tomatoes. I love salmon with capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives as well! You can add any of these ingredients in the baking dish with the salmon while it bakes!
Some sauces that go wonderfully with this recipe include tzatziki, Trader Joes’s Vegan Dill Dressing, any vinaigrette, or the parsley sauce I make in my Quinoa Cucumber Salad recipe!
I hope this helps you find a delicious pairing!
Tips for the Best Baked Mediterranean Salmon
- Be sure to watch the salmon to prevent overcooking. Nobody likes dry salmon!
- If you’re using frozen salmon for this recipe, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add as much marinade and seasonings to the salmon as you like. The more the merrier!
- Leave the skin on when cooking the salmon, and cook the salmon skin down!
Enjoy!
This 20 minute Mediterranean salmon recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in a simple yet elegant dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors!
Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy 🌿
Baked Lemon Parsley Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 Salmon Fillets
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Lemons juiced
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic
- 1/2 Cup Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Get out a medium baking dish or sheet pan, and add the two salmon fillets skin down to the bottom of the dish or pan.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon, then spread the parsley and the minced garlic evenly on each salmon fillet. Lastly, sprinkle with salt and black pepper for the final touch of flavor.
- Bake the salmon for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. You will know when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon has reached 145°F.
- Serve & enjoy!
love love & such an easy recipe! Thank for sharing Emmy! We added fresh dill as well.
Of course—thank you Lea! That sounds amazing!