There’s nothing quite like the satisfying aroma of fish roasting gently in the oven, especially when it’s slathered in a zesty olive salsa. I discovered this Roast Salmon with Smashed Olives recipe on a quiet Sunday afternoon when I craved something fresh and vibrant. It was a search for flavor that led me to this delightful dish, where the rich, buttery salmon mingles perfectly with the briny pop of Castelvetrano olives.
Imagine the moment you pull that perfectly baked salmon out, its flesh tender and flaky, just waiting to be topped with a refreshing green olive salsa verde bursting with the aromas of fresh parsley and bright lemon. Not only is it a showstopper for dinner parties, but it effortlessly elevates a weeknight meal too. The best part? You’ll be amazed at how simple this dish is to prepare. Join me in exploring the effortless elegance of this roast salmon, and let’s turn your kitchen into the ultimate haven for homemade flavors!
Why is Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives irresistible?
Deliciously Bright: The zesty salsa verde pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery flavor of salmon, creating a delightful balance on your palate.
Time-Saving: With just 35-40 minutes of baking time, you can create a gourmet dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it at gatherings or family dinners, and watch as everyone raves about this show-stopping dish!
Versatile Serving: Enjoy this salmon warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with omega-3s and healthy fats from the salmon and olives, this dish is not only satisfying but also nourishing.
Get ready to impress with my Roast Salmon with Smashed Olives and turn any meal into a celebration!
Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives Ingredients
• Embrace simplicity with the essential ingredients for a delicious roast salmon feast!
For the Salmon
- 2 lb center-cut filet of salmon – skin on; choose high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- 1/4 c olive oil – enriches the salmon and helps crisp the skin.
- zest of one lemon – brightens the dish with a refreshing citrus note.
- salt and pepper – essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
For the Salsa Verde
- 1 c castelvetrano olives – these sweet, meaty olives add a unique briny flavor to the dish.
- 1/4 c olive oil – helps to marry the flavors in the salsa verde.
- 1 bunch flat-leaf Italian parsley – roughly chopped; brings a fresh, herbal brightness.
- 3 whole scallions – thinly sliced; adds a mild onion flavor that complements the olives.
- juice from one lemon – amps up the zesty profile of the salsa.
- salt and pepper – to taste, ensuring the salsa brings out the best in all flavors.
Elevate your dining experience with Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives and savor the ease of creating something extraordinary!
How to Make Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives
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Preheat the oven to 250°F. Set the stage for your delicious salmon by warming up the oven, ensuring even cooking. The gentle heat is key to preserving the fish’s moisture!
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Prepare the salmon. Place the salmon in a baking dish, skin side down, and drizzle it with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the lemon zest for a burst of fresh flavor that makes every bite dreamy.
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Bake the salmon for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on its transformation; it should turn opaque and firm to the touch. The cooking aroma will fill your kitchen with delight!
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Check for doneness using a skewer. Insert a metal skewer into the thickest part of the salmon, count to five, and then feel the skewer against your lip. If warm, it’s done—perfectly cooked salmon awaits!
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Smash the olives while waiting. Use the flat edge of a knife to gently press on each castelvetrano olive, removing the pits. This fun little step adds texture to your salsa!
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Mix the salsa verde. In a bowl, combine the pitted olives, olive oil, lemon juice, scallions, and parsley. Stir gently and season with salt and pepper to taste, celebrating those vibrant flavors!
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Serve the salsa verde immediately. Once the salmon comes out of the oven, pour this blessed concoction over it. You can enjoy your masterpiece warm or at room temperature for the perfect dining experience.
Optional: Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the olive salsa verde up to 3 days in advance. To do this, simply smash and pit the olives, then mix them with olive oil, lemon juice, scallions, parsley, and seasonings as directed. Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and vibrant. As for the salmon, you can season it and place it in the baking dish up to 24 hours ahead—just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to cook, bake the salmon as instructed, and top it with the prepared salsa verde right before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives
Fridge: Store leftover roast salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It keeps well while maintaining its delicious flavor and moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions of salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best taste.
Reheating: Thaw salmon in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to retain moisture.
Salsa Verde: Store any leftover salsa verde in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve it fresh on salads or as a dip for a quick snack!
Expert Tips for Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives
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Skin Side Down: Always bake the salmon skin side down to keep the flesh moist and prevent sticking to the pan.
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Gentle Baking: Cooking at a low temperature like 250°F ensures that your salmon remains tender and flaky without drying out.
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Taste Test: Use the skewer method for doneness. If the skewer feels cool or room temperature, the salmon needs more time!
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Fresh Ingredients: For the best salsa verde, opt for fresh parsley and quality olives. Their flavors will elevate your roast salmon experience!
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Season Generously: Don’t shy away from salt and pepper; they enhance and bring out the delicious natural flavors of your roast salmon.
What to Serve with Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives?
Enhance your dining experience with a variety of complementary sides that bring balance to this delectable dish.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes pairs with the flaky salmon, soaking up the vibrant salsa flavors beautifully.
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Garlic Green Beans: These crisp, savory green beans offer a fresh and crunchy contrast to the tender salmon, making each bite delightful.
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Citrus Quinoa Salad: This light and zesty salad, with bright citrus notes, amplifies the lemon in the salsa verde for a refreshing balance.
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Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavors of roasted asparagus perfectly complement the richness of the salmon, creating a delightful harmony on your plate.
For a more robust pairing, imagine serving your salmon alongside a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula will cut through the rich flavors of the fish, making every bite an adventure!
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio rounds off this meal, enhancing the dish’s bright flavors while providing a refreshing sip.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet not only cleanses the palate but echoes the citrus notes in both the salmon and the salsa, leaving you satisfied and refreshed.
Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own with delightful twists and substitutions that will tantalize your taste buds!
- Herbed Variation: Add fresh dill or basil to the salsa verde for an aromatic boost that brings a garden-fresh flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the salsa for a delightful heat that brightens every bite.
- Nutty Texture: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the finished salmon for crunchy goodness that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish.
- Citrus Bliss: Swap lemon with lime in the salsa verde for a refreshing twist that adds an exotic zing to your meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace salmon with roasted eggplant slices; the olive salsa will complement the eggplant’s creaminess perfectly.
- Creamy Element: Fold in some Greek yogurt into the salsa verde for a tangy, creamy twist that takes the flavor to another level.
- Smoked Flavor: Use smoked salmon instead of fresh for a unique depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the briny olives.
- Fruity Addition: Toss in some diced avocados or sun-dried tomatoes with the salsa for a hint of richness that merges beautifully with the olives.
Explore these variations and create a signature dish that reflects your unique culinary style!
Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives Recipe FAQs
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Absolutely, I recommend using a high-quality center-cut filet of salmon with the skin on for this dish. Look for vibrant color and firm flesh, which indicates freshness. Farmed Atlantic salmon tends to be rich and buttery, while wild-caught salmon may offer a slightly leaner and more robust flavor. Both types work beautifully when roasted!
How should I store leftover roast salmon?
For the best results, store any leftover roast salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its delectable flavor and moisture. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing for maximum freshness!
Can I freeze roast salmon with smashed olives?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil to minimize freezer burn. You can also use a vacuum sealer if you have one. This method allows you to keep it fresh for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat the salmon?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and drizzle a splash of olive oil on top to help maintain moisture. Cover it with foil and heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps the fish flaky and delicious!
How should I choose olives for the salsa verde?
When selecting olives, I highly recommend Castelvetrano olives for their sweet, buttery flavor that works wonders with salmon. Look for firm, unblemished olives without any dark spots. If you can’t find Castelvetrano, Kalamata or green olives can also add a tasty twist to your salsa.
Is this dish suitable for those with dietary allergies?
While this roast salmon with smashed olives is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it’s always wise to check for any specific allergies, especially with the olives and any added seasonings. If you’re serving this dish to guests with dietary restrictions, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper can be quite forgiving. Enjoy this flavorful feast worry-free!
Roast Salmon With Smashed Olives: A Flavorful Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Prepare the salmon by placing it in a baking dish, skin side down, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Bake the salmon for 35-40 minutes, until opaque and firm to the touch.
- Check for doneness using a skewer; if it feels warm against your lip, it’s done.
- Smash the olives while waiting by pressing with a knife to remove the pits.
- Mix the salsa verde by combining the pitted olives, olive oil, lemon juice, scallions, and parsley in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the salsa verde immediately over the salmon after it comes out of the oven.