Mediterranean Grilled Salmon with Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad
Fresh, light, and incredibly flavorful, this Mediterranean Grilled Salmon with Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad is a vibrant dish that celebrates the best of coastal cuisine. Perfectly seasoned salmon fillets are grilled until flaky and golden, then paired with a refreshing salad of creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and a lemony olive oil vinaigrette.
This recipe is quick to make, loaded with healthy fats and protein, and ideal for a nourishing lunch or elegant weeknight dinner. It’s also naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and fits well into Mediterranean and keto diets.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Servings: 2 (easily doubled)
Ingredients
For the Grilled Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 150–170g / 5–6 oz each), skin on or off
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad:
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup cucumber, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp red onion, finely sliced
¼ cup Kalamata or green olives, halved
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
1 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Rub or brush this mixture over the salmon fillets. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Make the Avocado & Tomato Salad
In a large bowl, combine the avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and feta.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Grill the Salmon
Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
Grill salmon for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: For skin-on salmon, cook skin side down first to get it crispy.
Remove from heat and let rest for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Plate the grilled salmon next to or over a bed of the avocado cherry tomato salad.
Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of dressing, if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Success
Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly—take it out 10–15 minutes before grilling.
Ripe but firm avocados work best for the salad; overly soft ones will break down.
Use a fish spatula when flipping salmon to keep fillets intact.
Add grains like quinoa or couscous to turn this into a heartier bowl-style meal.
Variations
Baked or Air-Fried Salmon: Instead of grilling, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, or air-fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
Spicy Mediterranean: Add harissa, chili flakes, or smoked paprika to the marinade for a kick.
Salad add-ins: Toss in chickpeas, arugula, or roasted red peppers.
Vegan version: Replace salmon with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas and keep the rest of the salad intact.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes—thaw it completely, pat dry, and proceed with the marinade.
Q: How long can the salad sit?
A: Best served fresh, but it can sit for up to 1 hour. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead?
A: Absolutely. It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Q: What sides go well with this?
A: Try with warm pita, roasted potatoes, herbed couscous, or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~450
Protein: 30g
Fat: 30g
Carbs: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 350mg
Omega-3s: High
(Estimates vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Grilled Salmon with Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad is a deliciously fresh and healthy meal packed with flavor, color, and nutrition. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough to impress guests. Whether you’re following a Mediterranean diet or just craving something light and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes—protein-rich, heart-healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering.