Rating: 3.56
(109)

Mediterranean Grilled Sardine Salad

July 9, 2024

A Mediterranean grilled sardine salad is the perfect way to enjoy the bold, smoky flavors of sardines in a light, healthy dish. This salad combines the rich taste of grilled sardines with fresh, vibrant vegetables, creating a balanced meal that’s full of flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, this salad will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with every bite.

The star of the salad is, of course, the sardines. Grilling the sardines enhances their natural smoky, salty flavor while keeping them tender and juicy. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs like oregano or thyme adds depth to the sardines without overpowering their delicate taste. Grilling them until the skin is crispy and golden brings out the best of their flavor.

For the salad base, a mix of fresh, crunchy vegetables works wonderfully. Think cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers, all sliced thinly for a refreshing crunch. Add some Kalamata olives, capers, and a handful of mixed greens, such as arugula or spinach, for a Mediterranean flair.

To tie it all together, drizzle a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing over the salad. This light vinaigrette adds a bright, zesty contrast to the richness of the grilled sardines, making each bite feel perfectly balanced. A sprinkle of feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese can also add a creamy element to the salad, enhancing the Mediterranean experience.

Not only is this Mediterranean grilled sardine salad bursting with flavors, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making this dish not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this salad is a flavorful, satisfying option that’s sure to become a favorite.

Mediterranean Grilled Sardine
Mediterranean Grilled Sardine Salad
3.56 from 109 votes
A refreshing and healthy salad with grilled sardines and Mediterranean flavors.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound sardines cleaned and gutted
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped, fresh

Instructions
 

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  • Drizzle the sardines with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Grill the sardines for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and charred.
  • In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
  • Remove the sardines from the grill and let them cool slightly. Flake the sardines into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad.
  • Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
  • Serve the Mediterranean grilled sardine salad immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 22gFat: 20gFiber: 3g
Calories: 290kcal
Meal Type: Breakfast, Salad
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: Grilled Sardine, healthy, Mediterranean, salad, seafood
Cooking Method: Grilled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar joseph.schamberger81 says:

    3 stars
    I followed it exactly and my sardines were kinda dry. Maybe I overgrilled—my grill runs hot. Flavor was great, texture not so much.

  2. User avatar Peggy Jacobi says:

    5 stars
    This salad is delicious! I added some avocado and it was perfect! 5 stars!

  3. User avatar weston.nienow says:

    2 stars
    Why are sardines so expensive these days? I feel like this salad is not worth the price.

  4. User avatar shirlene.jacobson30 says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, grilled sardines just don’t sound right to me. How can anyone eat fish that way?

  5. User avatar Frankie and Benjy says:

    2 stars
    Too fishy for my taste. I don’t think I’ll be making this again.

    1. User avatar elliot.reichel says:

      3 stars
      I loved it! But I guess fish isn’t for everyone. Try adding more cheese!

    2. User avatar randa.collier17 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! Sardines can be super strong for some people. Maybe try substituting with chicken next time?

  6. 3 stars
    Is it just me or does this feel too fishy? I think I’ll try it without sardines next time. More like a salad with fishy stuff!

  7. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    2 stars
    Sardines? Ugh, no thanks. I think I’ll just stick to chicken salad.

    1. User avatar Dannie Runolfsson DDS says:

      4 stars
      Sardines are really nutritious though! You might wanna give it a try at least once.

  8. User avatar anderson.nicolas35 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this recipe but honestly, I wasn’t a fan. Felt like too many flavors clashed together. Not for me.

  9. 3 stars
    The recipe is okay, but I felt like it needed more dressing or something… too dry.

  10. 3 stars
    I thought this was a lot of work for a salad. I mean grilling fish? Really? 3 stars.

  11. 5 stars
    This salad was a hit at my BBQ! The flavors are so refreshing and unique. Will make again.

  12. User avatar tangela.padberg34 says:

    3 stars
    What kind of olives are kalamata? I used green ones. It was alright but not what I expected.

    1. User avatar carolin.bergstrom30 says:

      4 stars
      Kalamata olives are dark purple and more tangy than green ones. They add a unique flavor for sure! Maybe try using them next time for a better experience.

  13. User avatar mel.medhurst2 says:

    4 stars
    This is so good! But honestly, I didn’t have feta so used cheddar — still ate up like crazy!

  14. User avatar katheryn.hahn says:

    1 star
    Why would you want to eat fish that smells like the ocean? 🤨

  15. 3 stars
    Eh, was okay. I thought the sardines would be more flavorful, but they were kinda bland.

  16. User avatar morgan.leannon says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about using sardines, but this recipe changed my mind. It turned out really good, although I cut back on the onions.

  17. User avatar bradley.beahan1951 says:

    3 stars
    Salad?? With fish?? My dad wouldn’t approve lmao. But it’s good I guess.

    1. User avatar Glorfindel says:

      2 stars
      Nah, not for me. Sardines belong in a can, not a salad! What were you thinking? 😂

    2. 4 stars
      Fish in salad? That’s kinda weird, but hey, if it tastes good, why not! My mom always said to try new things. 🍽️

  18. 3 stars
    This was pretty easy to make, but I burnt my sardines. Make sure to watch them closely!

  19. 1 star
    Why do we have to grill sardines? Can’t just use canned ones? Less work since I dont have a grill.

  20. User avatar jaimie.larson says:

    5 stars
    Quick and easy! I made this for a summer BBQ and everybody loved it. Will be making again!

  21. 3 stars
    Sardines on a salad? Really? Not sure if I can get onboard with that. 😕

  22. User avatar frederic.batz63 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! The sardines were delicious and the salad was super fresh. Will make it again!

    1. User avatar Hotblack Desiato's bodyguard says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you loved it! The sardines really bring a unique flavor to the salad, don’t they? 😊

    2. User avatar hye.cartwright says:

      2 stars
      Sardines? Eww, I can’t imagine they taste good. Are you sure this recipe is legit?

  23. User avatar vince.haley says:

    5 stars
    Yummy!

    1. 5 stars
      Looks great! Can’t wait to try this recipe. Sardines are the best!

    2. User avatar suzette.smitham59 says:

      1 star
      Ew, sardines? No way! Why would anyone eat that? Not for me.

  24. 1 star
    Sardines? Really? Not my thing. Gave it a shot but tbh I didn’t like it at all.

  25. User avatar allison.ledner98 says:

    5 stars
    One word: Amazing! Never thought I’d like sardines but this recipe changed my mind!

  26. User avatar ramon.greenholt1977 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is a hit! The grilled sardines add such a unique flavor. Will definitely make again!

  27. User avatar rosetta.upton4 says:

    3 stars
    Delicious! Only had canned sardines, but it worked fine. Still tasted good, just not the same grill flavor.

  28. User avatar iona.hilpert7 says:

    5 stars
    This salad was a game changer! So fresh and tasty, I loved the grilled sardines 😋. Will make again!

  29. User avatar wilber.greenholt says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, sardines on a salad feel a bit fancy-for-nothing, but it was actually pretty good. The olives and red onion combo carries it.

  30. User avatar genia.metz39 says:

    5 stars
    5 stars! Healthy and refreshing! First time grilling sardines and it was much easier than I thought.

3.56 from 109 votes
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