Jamie Oliver Lentils And Salmon Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

Let me tell you a little secret. I used to be terrified of cooking fish. The smell, the texture, the fear of overcooking it-all of it made me avoid it like the plague. But one chilly Sunday afternoon, scrolling through cooking videos with a cup of tea in hand, I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Lentils and Salmon recipe. Something about the simplicity and wholesomeness of it made me pause.

I thought, “This might be the one”. And it was.

It turned out to be a total game-changer. Easy, nourishing, and somehow fancy-feeling without the stress. Now? I make it whenever I need a little feel-good reset meal that also looks like I put in way more effort than I did.

Let’s dive into it together.

Jamie Oliver’s Lentils And Salmon Recipe

The first time I made this dish, I had friends over. Honestly, I wasn’t planning to impress them, but when that fragrant mix of garlic, herbs, and lemon hit the pan, everyone drifted into the kitchen asking what was cooking.

Jamie’s recipe is everything I love in a meal:

• Balanced – full of protein, fiber, and good fats
• Flavor-packed – thanks to fresh herbs and a zippy dressing
• Quick and easy – done in under 30 minutes
• Rustic yet elegant – something you’d see on a bistro menu

It’s basically the grown-up version of comfort food. Earthy lentils meet rich, flaky salmon-married by a punchy dressing and a handful of fresh herbs.

Ingredients Needed

Before you panic-this is not one of those ingredient lists that’s two pages long. Everything here is simple and accessible. Most of it, you probably already have.

Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Salmon And Lentils

• 2 salmon fillets (skin on)
• 1 can or 1½ cups of cooked green lentils (like Puy lentils)
• 1 small red onion (or shallot), finely sliced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
• Olive oil

For The Dressing

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Finishing Touches

• Fresh parsley or dill
• Baby spinach or arugula for a little green
• Chopped cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lentils And Salmon

Okay, ready to feel like a kitchen wizard? Here’s how it all comes together.

Step 1: Prep The Lentils

• Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan.
• Sauté your red onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
• Toss in the cooked lentils.
• Add fresh thyme or rosemary.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Let everything warm through and soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Cook The Salmon

• Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season salmon with salt and pepper.
• Place it skin-side down in the pan. No flipping yet!
• Let it crisp up-about 5-6 minutes. You’ll hear it sizzle and crackle.
• Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through.

Step 3: Make The Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Taste it. Adjust as needed-it should be zippy and fresh.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

• Spoon the warm lentils onto a plate.
• Top with your golden, crispy-skinned salmon.
• Drizzle over the dressing.
• Add herbs, greens, or tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy.

Dinner. Is. Served.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

I’m a bit of a food nerd, so bear with me. Here’s why this recipe works on a deeper level.

• Lentils are high in fiber and plant-based protein. They soak up flavors like a sponge. That’s why they taste even better after mingling with onion, garlic, and herbs.
• Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are the healthy fats your body actually loves. Cooking it skin-side down gives you that irresistible crunch while keeping the inside buttery soft.
• Lemon juice brightens everything. It cuts through the richness of the salmon and adds a refreshing zip to the lentils.
• Mustard and vinegar bring acidity and complexity. Think of them like the background singers making the whole flavor band sound better.

Food is chemistry. And this recipe is a masterclass.

Expert Tips

Okay, this part comes from experience-a lot of trial and error.

• Let your salmon come to room temp before cooking. Cold fish in a hot pan = uneven cooking.
• Don’t move the salmon around once it’s in the pan. That’s how you get crispy skin.
• Taste everything as you go. Especially the dressing. It’s your flavor anchor.
• Use good olive oil. It really matters when it’s going into a dressing.
• Make extra lentils. They’re even better the next day and amazing with a fried egg.

Recipe Variations

Let’s say you want to mix it up. Totally cool. This recipe is crazy adaptable.

Here’s how you can riff on it:

• Swap the salmon – Try seared trout, grilled chicken, or even a poached egg for a vegetarian version.
• Change the lentils – Puy lentils are ideal, but brown or black lentils work too. Just avoid red ones-they get too mushy.
• Add veg – Roasted carrots, sautéed kale, or blistered cherry tomatoes all play well here.
• Spice it up – A pinch of chili flakes or a smear of harissa can give it a little kick.
• Try a yogurt sauce instead of vinaigrette for a creamier twist-just mix Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill.

You can’t really mess this one up.

Final Words

This dish has become a go-to in my home. Not because it’s flashy or trendy-but because it feels like a hug on a plate. It reminds me that cooking doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Sometimes, it’s just about using what you have, slowing down, and letting good ingredients shine.

And I love that moment-when I sit down, fork in hand, and think, Dang, I made this.

FAQs

How Do I Cook The Lentils For Jamie Oliver’s Lentils And Salmon Recipe?

You need to simmer the lentils in water or stock until tender, usually around 20-30 minutes.

Can I Use Canned Lentils For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Just rinse them well before using.

What Kind Of Salmon Should I Use?

Jamie Oliver recommends using skin-on salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.

Do I Need To Skin The Salmon For This Recipe?

No, you can cook the salmon with the skin on. It helps keep the fish moist and adds flavor.

Can I Add Vegetables To The Lentils?

Absolutely! Jamie adds onions, garlic, and tomatoes, but feel free to get creative with your own choices.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein, omega-3s from the salmon, and fiber from the lentils.

How Long Does This Recipe Take To Cook?

It takes around 40-45 minutes, depending on how long the lentils take to cook.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

You can prepare the lentils and salmon in advance, but it’s best to serve them fresh for the best texture.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Lentils And Salmon?

It pairs well with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of roasted potatoes.

Is This Recipe Suitable For A Gluten-free Diet?

Yes! Both the lentils and salmon are naturally gluten-free.