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Baked Salmon with Olive Tapenade

Saumon Au Tapenade, Salmone Al Forno Con Olive

France, Italy

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Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

Succulent salmon fillets are crowned with a zesty olive tapenade that brings bold, salty brightness to mellow, buttery fish. The contrast of textures and flavors makes this dish both elegant and deeply satisfying. It’s a feast for the senses that celebrates simple ingredients done exceptionally well.

Mediterranean Main Course
Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeKeto-friendlyNut-Free
Difficulty

Easy

Servings

4

Prep Time

15 mins

Make Time

20 mins

Calories

390 / serving

Diet

Non-Veg

Protein 31.2g
Fat 35.2g
Carbs 3.6g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:
Acid Reflux
IBS
High Blood Pressure
Cook Along

Build & Bake

Follow each phase with a cleaner flow from ingredient prep to final plating.

Track cooking progress forBaked Salmon with Olive Tapenade

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STEP 1

Make tapenade: In food processor, combine olives, capers, anchovies (if using), garlic, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Pulse until roughly chopped (not pureed). Stir in thyme and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning (olives are salty, so little salt needed).

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 (150 g / 5.3 oz each), skin-on
150 g / 5.3 oz (Kalamata and green), pitted
2 tbsp , drained
2 (optional but traditional)
2
2 tbsp (30 ml)
3 tbsp (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz)
1 tsp leaves
1 tbsp
Ingredients at a glance
Adjust quantities to your preferred serving size.
We only show images for ingredients already in our database.
All drinks depicted are for visual purposes only and should be assumed non-alcoholic unless explicitly labelled otherwise.

Instructions

Main
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Make tapenade: In food processor, combine olives, capers, anchovies (if using), garlic, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Pulse until roughly chopped (not pureed). Stir in thyme and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning (olives are salty, so little salt needed).

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Preheat oven: to 200°C/400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Prepare salmon: Pat salmon dry. Place skin-side down on baking sheet. Season with pepper (light on salt due to tapenade).

Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Top with tapenade: Spread olive mixture evenly over top of each fillet, pressing gently.

Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Bake: Bake 12-15 mins depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily but is still moist inside (internal temperature 52°C/125°F for medium).

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Rest: Let rest 3 mins. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.

Step 7 instruction thumbnail 7

Serve: Serve with lemon wedges, roasted vegetables, or simple green salad.

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon is exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), protein, and vitamin D.

Olives provide polyphenols and healthy monounsaturated fats.

Anchovies add calcium.

Garlic supports immune function.

Very low in carbohydrates.

Supports cardiovascular health and cognitive function.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

A Weeknight Dish That Feels Effortlessly Sophisticated

Baked Salmon with Olive Tapenade
Yum User
Yum User

This dish leans into contrast - buttery, flaky salmon topped with a punchy olive tapenade made from briny olives, capers, garlic and good olive oil. As the salmon roasts gently in the oven, the topping softens and perfumes the fish without overwhelming it. The natural richness of the salmon balances the sharp, salty edge of the tapenade beautifully.

The key is restraint. The fish is baked just until it flakes easily, keeping it moist and tender. Meanwhile, the olive mixture becomes slightly warm and aromatic, releasing its herbal notes and mellowing its bite.

The Flavour Profile
  • Buttery, delicate salmon.
  • Sharp, briny olive intensity.
  • Fresh herbs lifting the richness.
  • A squeeze of lemon tying it all together.

It’s quick enough for a midweek supper yet looks elegant enough to plate up for friends. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad and you’ve got something that feels balanced, clean and genuinely satisfying. Minimal effort, serious payoff.

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