Olive Oil Poached Salmon with Herb Vinaigrette

Introduction

Olive Oil Poached Salmon with Herb Vinaigrette is a dish that effortlessly combines refined flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients. This gentle poaching method infuses the salmon with richness and keeps it irresistibly tender, while the bright, aromatic vinaigrette adds a punch of freshness. It’s an elegant yet easy main course—perfect for entertaining or for an impressive weeknight dinner.

Deliciously Unique Olive Oil Poached Salmon

What sets this recipe apart is its sublime balance: the olive oil bath yields salmon that’s moist and silky, never dry, and the herb vinaigrette awakens each bite with vibrant, fresh flavors. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this dish’s restaurant-quality taste belies its simple preparation. It’s a healthy showstopper sure to suit every palate.

Mastering Olive Oil Poaching

Poaching salmon in olive oil ensures an even cook and a luxurious texture unmatched by baking or grilling. It’s simple: submerge salmon fillets in seasoned olive oil and cook gently over low heat. The result? Buttery, fork-tender fish. For extra depth, infuse the oil with aromatics like garlic, lemon peel, or herbs before adding the salmon.

Making a Bright Herb Vinaigrette

A classic vinaigrette—flavored with freshly chopped herbs, lemon juice, and a hint of Dijon—transforms the poached salmon. Use whatever herbs you have (parsley, dill, basil, tarragon), and blend with a quality olive oil for maximum flavor. Prepare the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the flavors lively and green.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Salmon

Serve this olive oil poached salmon over a bed of lightly dressed greens or alongside steamed new potatoes. The vinaigrette doubles as a drizzle for accompanying vegetables or grains. Consider a sprinkling of toasted nuts for crunch, or serve with crusty bread to mop up the herby oil—either way, it’s sure to stand out at any meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each portion typically provides around 400–450 calories, packed with healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh herbs. It’s a heart-healthy main course you’ll feel great about serving.

Olive Oil Poached Salmon with Herb Vinaigrette (Recap)

With its delicate salmon, silky poaching oil, and bright vinaigrette, this recipe is a flavor-packed centerpiece. Minimal effort, maximum elegance—exactly the kind of recipe that becomes a household favorite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (or set stove to low heat if using a stovetop-safe baking dish).
2. Pour 2 cups of olive oil into a medium baking dish or skillet. Add garlic, lemon zest, and peppercorns. Gently heat the oil (do not let it simmer or bubble).
3. Season salmon fillets with a bit of salt. Submerge them in the warm olive oil, making sure they’re fully covered (add more oil if needed).
4. Poach salmon gently for 20–25 minutes, until just opaque and easily flaked with a fork.
5. While salmon cooks, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove salmon with a slotted spatula, letting excess oil drip off. Plate each fillet and drizzle generously with herb vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is an excellent fit for weekly meal prep and planning. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan to automatically generate smart shopping lists, helping you keep track of ingredients for the week with no waste or duplication.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for the week
– Creates grocery lists sorted by store section
– Prevents overbuying and running out of key items
– Streamlines your weekly meal prep so you stay organized

Pro tip: When planning multiple dinners, schedule all your recipes ahead of time, so your shopping list reflects exactly what you need—no more, no less.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes