Branzino | Olive | Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

This is a perfect main course or can be served in smaller pieces when using as part of a mezze party.
Ingredients
- 2 whole branzino or mediterranean sea bass,
- fillets (you will have 4 fillets)
- Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on the fish
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1-2 sprigs dill, leaves only, chopped, for
- sprinkling
- For the Olive Lemon Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup pitted green olives, cut into ¼rs
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 sprigs of dill, leaves only chopped
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. honey
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Plenty of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Make the Olive Lemon Vinaigrette first by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl or jar. Set aside.
- 2
Drizzle the fish fillets with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper all over the fish (both sides) and place skin down on a foil lined cookie sheet. Heat the oven to broil and place the rack to the highest position. Broil the fish for 2 minutes, remove from the oven, lower the rack one position. Flip the fish over and broil for 4-5 minutes or until the skin is charred.
- 3
Cut each fillet in half, arrange 2-3 halves skin side UP on 3-4 small mezze serving plates, spoon some of the vinaigrette over each piece of fish and a little more on the empty parts of the plate, sprinkle with additional chopped dill. Serves 4 as a main or 8 as a mezze.
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Fish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Buying Tip
- Look for fish that smells fresh (like the ocean, not fishy), has firm flesh, and clear eyes if buying whole. Ask your fishmonger what's freshest that day.
- Cooking Tip
- Avoid overcooking fish — it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Most fish cooks in just 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness.
You Might Also Like
More fish recipes→
Fish
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
This teriyaki glaze is a fantastic versatile glaze. It will keep for one week in the fridge or if you want you can double the recipe and freeze it. It can be used on fish, chicken or tofu.
June 1, 2022

Fish
Swordfish Piccata
This very easy, super-fast skillet dinner will become a weekly staple. The recipe comes together very fast, so have all the ingredients ready by the stove. If you don’t like swordfish, this recipe can be made with any fish.
May 20, 2022

Fish
Grilled Swordfish with Tomatoes and Salsa Verde
Dressing or marinating the fish after it is grilled makes for a way fresher tasting end product. This salsa verde is delicious on any frilled fish, chicken or meat
May 18, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Branzino | Olive | Lemon Vinaigrette?
This Branzino | Olive | Lemon Vinaigrette recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 15 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
Can I make this branzino | olive | lemon vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.