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
Scale
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.
