GF, DF

A whole baked salmon side with fresh flavours of the Mediterranean makes this recipe a magnificent crowd pleaser. Salmon is caramelised with sticky honey, garlic & lemon and topped with a pesto dressing, fresh tomatoes and olives.

This recipe is such a celebration of fresh summer ingredients and simple tasty flavours. I like to cook the salmon the day before and serve it at room temperature for a refreshing but filling starter. The dressing can be made a day ahead so it’s just a matter of topping the salmon at the time. Minimal prep = relaxed host!

The salmon is also great as leftovers for lunch the next day. Gluten, dairy and refined sugar free, this salmon will cater to those with intolerances.

I like to serve this salmon with slices of warm sourdough bread and a big glass of chardonnay. A bowl of plain yoghurt with a little lemon zest is also delicious with this salmon.

What's in this recipe?

Garlic & lemon glazed salmon

Salmon
A whole fresh salmon side makes this recipe special. Skin on or off however, I personally prefer mine with skin on which keeps the salmon moister and more flavoursome. I also prefer to serve this salmon at room temperature rather than hot as it marries so well with the cold tomato and basil topping - a perfect substantial starter for a hot summer day.
Honey
Honey makes this glaze sticky and delicious. It also makes it refined sugar free. Can be substituted with maple syrup for a slightly different twist.
Olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil binds the glaze together and keeps the salmon moist and juicy. It also helps give it that authentic Mediterranean flavour.
Garlic & dijon mustard
Garlic packs a punch of flavour and mustard gives the glaze a little tang to cut through the sweetness of the honey. Please use fresh garlic. Dijon mustard can be substituted with wholegrain mustard.
Lemon zest
Lemon zest boosts the vibrancy of the glaze without making it too runny. Can be substituted with orange zest for a slightly different flavour profile.
Chili flakes
A small amount of chili flakes gives the glaze a slight warmth and tang. Feel free to leave out if sensitive to spice.
Salt
Salt balances the flavours and makes this salmon ultra tasty.

Pesto dressing

Basil pesto
Basil pesto is the base of the dressing and gives it a lovely fragrance and saltiness. Sundried tomato pesto can also be used here.
Olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil thins the pesto and allows it to be poured over the salmon. Can not be substituted with another oil.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice gives the dressing acidity and brings out the flavour of the basil in the pesto.

To serve

Cherry tomatoes
Fresh cherry tomatoes give the topping a beautiful, sweet freshness. Can be substituted with diced whole or roma tomatoes.

Marinated olives
I like to use marinated olives here as they provide a free flavour boost! Feel free to use regular green olives if desired. They give the topping a lovely saltiness and umami flavour.
Basil
Fresh basil is the cherry-on-top for this spectacular salmon. It provides vibrancy in both aesthetics and flavour!

Step-by-step photos

Mixing pesto dressing

Mixing glaze

Coating salmon in glaze