Sicilian-Style Grilled Salmon
(Salmone alla Siciliana)
Sicilian-Style Grilled Salmon features bold Mediterranean flavors with olives, capers, garlic, and cherry tomatoes — a coastal Italian classic that's light, healthy, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for warm-weather dinners or elegant weeknight meals.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Begin with two salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each. Season them with half a teaspoon of sea salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. For the Sicilian topping, prepare one tablespoon of olive oil, one minced garlic clove, one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, two tablespoons of pitted black or green olives sliced, one tablespoon of rinsed capers, one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and a teaspoon of lemon zest. Optional additions include a small pinch of chili flakes and a few torn basil leaves.
Instructions
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then rub them with olive oil. Let them rest at room temperature while you prepare the topping.
In a small skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley, and remove from the heat. Let the mixture rest while you grill the salmon.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon skin-side down and grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the flesh is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer the grilled salmon to plates and spoon the warm Sicilian topping over each fillet. Garnish with more parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with roasted vegetables, farro, or a lemony arugula salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
Use firm, ripe cherry tomatoes and good-quality olives for the best flavor. If preferred, you can roast the topping ingredients in the oven instead of cooking them in a pan for a richer, caramelized flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with a crisp Sicilian white wine like Grillo or Inzolia.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 390
Protein: 35 grams
Fat: 25 grams
Saturated Fat: 4 grams
Carbohydrates: 5 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugars: 2 grams
Sodium: 460 milligrams
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Approximately 1.9 grams
