Olive Salsa Salmon

Salmon has always been my go-to fish. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and full of flavour. But let’s face it, even the best dishes can feel a little repetitive after a while. Enter this Olive Salsa Salmon – a delightful twist that transforms your usual salmon into something truly special. The punchy olive salsa brings a burst of flavour that is both refreshing and exciting. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You can toss everything into a food processor if you’re short on time, or chop it by hand like I did – fewer dishes to wash up later!

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Why This Recipe Works
• Tips for Making the Perfect Olive Salsa Salmon
• Variations and Substitutions
• Want More Fish Recipes?

Ingredient Breakdown

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the base of the olive salsa, providing a rich and smooth texture. Extra-virgin olive oil is known for its robust flavour and health benefits, including heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It also helps carry the flavours of the spices and herbs.
• Cumin Seeds: These tiny seeds pack a punch with their earthy, warm flavour. Cumin seeds add depth to the salsa, complementing the sweetness of the orange juice and the brininess of the olives. Toasting them in the oil enhances their flavour, making the salsa more aromatic.
• Orange Zest and Juice: The zest and juice of an orange bring a zesty brightness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the salmon and olive oil. The acidity from the orange juice cuts through the fattiness of the salmon, while the zest adds a fragrant, citrusy note.
• Green Olives: These are the stars of the salsa, adding a salty, briny flavour that pairs beautifully with the salmon. Finely chopping the olives allows their flavour to disperse evenly throughout the salsa, ensuring every bite is filled with olive-y goodness.
• Fresh Coriander (or Flat-Leaf Parsley): Coriander brings a fresh, herbaceous quality to the salsa. If you’re not a fan of coriander, flat-leaf parsley is a great substitute. It has a milder taste but still adds a fresh, green element that lifts the dish.
• Garlic: A single large clove of garlic, minced, adds a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the other flavours. Garlic is essential in creating a well-rounded flavour profile for the salsa.
• Pul Biber and Smoked Paprika: These two spices add a bit of heat and a smoky depth. Pul biber, or Aleppo pepper, is slightly sweet and mildly spicy, perfect for those who prefer a gentle kick rather than intense heat. Smoked paprika adds a smoky, earthy element that complements the cumin and olives.
• Salmon Fillet: The main event! Salmon is rich, fatty, and full of flavour. Roasting it brings out its natural oils, making it tender and flaky. The olive salsa enhances the salmon without overpowering its natural taste.
• Lemon Wedges: Optional but highly recommended, lemon wedges add a final burst of freshness. A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish brightens up the flavours, making the salmon and salsa sing.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of the Olive Salsa Salmon recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. The flavours complement rather than compete, creating a harmonious dish that is greater than the sum of its parts. The olive salsa provides a vibrant contrast to the rich, buttery salmon, while the combination of spices adds depth and complexity.

The use of both orange and lemon introduces multiple layers of citrus, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. The pul biber adds a hint of warmth, and the smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky undertone that elevates the salsa. Finally, the coriander brings some much needed freshness, which cuts through the richness of the dish. All in all, this Olive Salsa Salmon recipe works because each ingredient has a role to play, and together, they create a dish that is as exciting as it is delicious.

Tips for Making the Perfect Olive Salsa Salmon

• Choosing Your Salmon: Freshness is key when it comes to salmon. Look for fillets that are bright in colour, firm to the touch, and have a clean, fresh scent. If possible, opt for sustainably sourced salmon to ensure the best quality and flavour.
• Adjusting for Taste: The beauty of the olive salsa is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and herbs to suit your palate. If you prefer more heat, add a bit more pul biber. For a smokier flavour, increase the smoked paprika. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and making a recipe your own.
• Cooking the Salmon: Keep a close eye on your salmon as it roasts. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillet. Aim for a fillet that is opaque in the centre and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can result in dry, tough salmon, so err on the side of caution.
• Serving Suggestions: While this dish shines on its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. The freshness of the salsa complements lighter sides, making it a perfect, balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with roasted potatoes or a grain like quinoa or couscous. My Lemon Roast Potatoes, Saffron Rice, Lemon & Garlic Tenderstem Broccoli, Quinoa, Pomegranate and Radish Salad are all excellent side options.
• Make-Ahead Tips: The olive salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. In fact, allowing it to sit for a few hours or overnight lets the flavours meld together even more. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• For a Milder Salsa: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce or omit the pul biber. You can also substitute it with sweet paprika for a milder, sweeter flavour.
• Try a Different Fish: While salmon is a fantastic choice, this salsa would pair well with other types of fish too. Cod, haddock, or even sea bass would work beautifully with the olive salsa. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Herb Swap: Not a fan of coriander? No problem! Swap it out for fresh parsley, dill, or even basil. Each herb brings a different flavour profile, allowing you to customise the dish to your liking.
• Add Some Crunch: For an added texture, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds over the top before serving. The crunch adds a delightful contrast to the tender salmon and smooth salsa.

Want More Fish Recipes?

I’ve been sharing lots of delicious fish recipes on my Instagram and TikTok in a series I’ve called Fantastic Fish. If you love this recipe, why not try some of the others in the series?

• Coconut-Crusted Thai Curry Sea Bass: If you’re a fan of Thai flavours, you’re going to love this one. The fish is marinated in Thai red curry paste, before being encased in a coconut crust and fried to golden perfection.
• Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice: This recipe combines crispy sushi rice cakes with homemade spicy tuna and avocado. The contrast of textures between the crispy rice and tuna is delightful and all the flavours work so well together.
• Monkfish Curry: Monkfish is simmered in a rich, flavour-packed sauce, perfumed with curry leaves, coconut milk, tomatoes and warm spices.
• Roasted Salmon with Curry Leaf Butter: Roasted salmon, topped with a delicious 3-ingredient curry leaf butter.