Introduction

Sockeye salmon, known for its vibrant red-orange hue and robust flavor, is a premium ingredient loved worldwide. Paired with green olive salsa verde – a traditional Italian sauce made from green olives, parsley, garlic, and olive oil – this dish offers a perfect harmony of the salmon’s richness and the sauce’s fresh, tangy notes. Ideal for sophisticated dinner parties or a cozy night at home, this recipe brings Mediterranean flair to your table.

The main ingredients include fresh sockeye salmon fillets, green olives, parsley, garlic, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil. The salsa verde not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant color, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Preparation Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 sockeye salmon fillets (about 150-200g each)

100g green olives (pitted)

1 bunch fresh parsley (about 30g)

2 garlic cloves

1 lemon (juice and zest)

50ml extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tbsp butter (for pan-searing)

Fresh parsley leaves or lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Green Olive Salsa Verde

Rinse the parsley, pat dry, and finely chop.

Finely chop the green olives and garlic.

In a small bowl, mix the chopped olives, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey.

Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce rest for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Rinse the salmon fillets and pat dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Pan-Sear the Salmon

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of butter. Let it melt and foam.

Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes (depending on thickness) until just cooked through but still moist.

Remove from heat and transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the green olive salsa verde generously over each salmon fillet.

Garnish with fresh parsley leaves or lemon slices for an elegant touch.

Serve immediately while hot.

Flavor Profile

The sockeye salmon with green olive salsa verde delivers a rich, balanced flavor profile, blending the salmon’s buttery texture with the bright, tangy notes of the salsa verde. The green olives and parsley provide a distinctive aroma, while the lemon and Dijon mustard add a sharp, refreshing edge, elevating the dish to a refined level.

This dish is perfect for special occasions like family gatherings, birthdays, or dinner parties. Pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to enhance its Mediterranean essence. Alternatively, a light beer or sparkling water complements the salmon’s richness beautifully.