If you are searching for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors while staying healthy and simple, this Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Picture flaky, tender salmon baked to perfection and topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy crumbled feta cheese—a combination that brings the essence of Mediterranean sunshine straight to your plate. This recipe is easy to make but delivers a dazzling mix of fresh, tangy, and savory notes that elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity—and each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmony of flavors and textures that make this dish truly memorable.
- 2 salmon fillets: The star of the dish, providing rich, buttery flavor and a tender, flaky texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps to keep the salmon moist while infusing a fruity aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant kick that complements the fish beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a zesty tang that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy, herbal note essential for that classic Mediterranean touch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons the fish perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy and sweet bursts that add freshness and color.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: Briny and rich, these olives deepen the savory profile.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle crunch and mild sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh herbaceous note and lively green color.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and tangy, it finishes the dish with luscious richness.
How to Make Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is the perfect temperature to bake the salmon evenly while locking in moisture. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—it helps the seasonings stick better and encourages a slight crust to form as it bakes. Then, lay your fillets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season Your Salmon
Drizzle olive oil over the fillets for moisture and flavor, then sprinkle the minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on top. Use your hands to gently rub the seasonings all over the salmon to ensure each bite is bursting with flavor. This step is where the magic begins, as these simple seasonings start creating the Mediterranean essence we crave.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork—a sign it’s perfectly cooked but still juicy inside. This relatively quick cooking time means you’ll have a nourishing, gourmet-style meal on the table in under thirty minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping Mixture
While the salmon is baking, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley in a medium bowl. This fresh mixture will brighten the richness of the salmon and add wonderful color and texture.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Once the salmon is baked, remove it from the oven and spoon the topping mixture evenly over each fillet. Then, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for that creamy, tangy finish. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes just to warm the topping and slightly melt the feta. Pull it out and serve immediately while all the flavors are at their freshest and most vibrant.
How to Serve Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges brightens the presentation and offers a fresh, zesty lift right at the table. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also enhances mouthfeel and adds a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement but don’t overpower. Try fluffy couscous infused with herbs, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or simply some roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to create a balanced, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve the salmon over a bed of warm quinoa or whole grain rice, letting the juices from the fish and topping seep down and flavor the grains. Alternatively, place the salmon fillets on rustic wooden boards for a charming family-style serving experience that invites sharing and makes every meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, gently transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an easy and delicious next-day meal or lunch.
Freezing
Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to one month. To preserve texture, wrap the fillets in plastic wrap before placing them in containers and avoid freezing with tomato and olive toppings on to prevent sogginess upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can dry out the salmon and cause uneven heating, which dulls the delicious freshness of the Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry before seasoning and baking to get the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives? What’s a good substitute?
You can substitute with other briny olives like Castelvetrano or green olives, or even capers for a similar salty burst that complements the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it works great for meal prep. Keep the topping separate until just before serving to maintain fresh textures, and store salmon and toppings in separate containers.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix before baking to give your Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe an exciting kick.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist inside. It should have an opaque color and gently spring back when pressed.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe is like inviting a little bit of sunshine into your kitchen. Its bright, fresh ingredients mixed with the rich, tender salmon create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite way to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean anytime you crave something nourishing and absolutely delicious.
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Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mediterranean-Style Salmon recipe features tender, oven-baked salmon fillets seasoned with garlic, lemon, oregano, and paprika, topped with a vibrant and fresh mixture of cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese. Perfectly baked to flaky perfection, this flavorful dish offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the robust flavors of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasonings
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping Mixture
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Dry Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, helping the seasoning adhere better.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Apply Olive Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the salmon fillets, enhancing flavor and preventing drying.
- Add Garlic: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of minced garlic evenly over the fillets to infuse them with aromatic flavor.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice onto the salmon, adding brightness and acidity.
- Season with Oregano: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano over the fillets for a classic Mediterranean herb flavor.
- Season with Paprika: Add 1 teaspoon of paprika evenly over the salmon for a subtle smoky taste and color.
- Season with Salt: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly to enhance all flavors.
- Add Black Pepper: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a mild spicy note.
- Rub Seasonings: Use your hands to gently rub all the seasonings and oil into the salmon fillets for even coating.
- Bake Salmon: Place the baking sheet with salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: While salmon bakes, combine halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley in a medium bowl.
- Remove Salmon from Oven: Take out the salmon once cooked through and flaky.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the prepared topping mixture over the cooked salmon fillets.
- Sprinkle Feta Cheese: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the toppings.
- Warm Toppings and Melt Feta: Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the topping and slightly melt the feta cheese.
- Final Removal from Oven: Remove the baking sheet when the feta is slightly melted and toppings are heated through.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean-style salmon immediately while warm to enjoy the full flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure salmon fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes and olives add both sweetness and brininess, balancing the dish.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese for a different tangy profile.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or couscous for a fuller meal.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
