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Grilled Red Snapper with Za'atar Salsa Verde

This grilled red snapper with za'atar salsa verde is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings a sophisticated flair to your midweek meals. The delicate, flaky white fish is grilled until the skin is perfectly crisp, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the punchy, herb-flecked dressing. By using aromatic za'atar and toasted pine nuts, the salsa verde gains a nutty depth that complements the citrus notes of the lemon and pickled peppers.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this recipe relies on heart-healthy olive oil and fresh herbs to deliver maximum flavour without any added sugars. It is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a light yet satisfying dinner that is naturally low in carbohydrates but rich in essential nutrients. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed seasonal greens for a complete, nourishing meal.

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Ingredients for Grilled Red Snapper with Za'atar Salsa Verde

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

  • 4 (170g) skin-on, boneless red snapper fillets, patted dry

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

  • 4 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped coriander

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley

  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons za’atar

  • 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled banana peppers

Toast pine nuts in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, tossing often, until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

Heat grill. Season flesh side of snapper fillets with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with coriander. Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil onto a small rimmed baking sheet and place fish, flesh side down, on top. Drizzle skin side with 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill until skin is crisp and browned and flesh is cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Remove fish from grill and let rest 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix together coriander, parsley, garlic, za’atar, red pepper flakes, and remaining 120ml oil in a small bowl; season salsa verde with salt and pepper.

Transfer fish to a platter, placing skin side up. Stir lemon juice, banana peppers, and pine nuts into salsa verde and spoon over fish.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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