Oven Baked Feta Salmon Recipe
Introduction
This Oven Baked Feta Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender salmon with tangy feta, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, and briny kalamata olives. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles (traditional Greek feta recommended)
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Black pepper to taste
- Sea salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (Colavita brand recommended)
- 12 oz salmon fillets, skin-on, about 1.5 inches thick
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare all ingredients by halving the cherry tomatoes, thinly slicing the red onion, crumbling the feta (if needed), and measuring the olives, olive oil, and seasonings. Being ready helps the cooking process go smoothly.
- Step 2: In a baking dish about 9×13 inches, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle half of the oregano and garlic powder, and season with sea salt and black pepper. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 3: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on top of the vegetable and feta mixture. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season the salmon with the remaining oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally, and the tomatoes are blistered and caramelized. Check around 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly ground garlic powder for a more vibrant flavor.
- Swap kalamata olives for green olives if you prefer a milder briny taste.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad to make a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to avoid drying out the salmon. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before baking to ensure even cooking and a better texture.
Is it necessary to use skin-on salmon?
Skin-on salmon helps hold the fillet together during cooking and adds flavor, but you can use skinless fillets if you prefer.
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Oven Baked Feta Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Oven Baked Feta Salmon is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender salmon fillets baked atop a vibrant medley of cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onions, and tangy feta cheese. Seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasonings
- 12 oz salmon fillets (skin-on, about 1.5 inches thick)
- Black pepper to taste
- Sea salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (Colavita brand recommended)
Vegetable and Cheese Mixture
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles (traditional Greek feta preferred)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (used divided)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano (used divided)
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste (used divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, crumble the feta if necessary, and measure out the olives, olive oil, and seasonings. Preparing ingredients ahead ensures quick assembly and fresh flavors.
- Assemble the vegetable mixture: In a baking dish (roughly 9×13 inches), combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese crumbles. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and season with half of the dried oregano, half the garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare and place the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to promote even cooking and texture development. Place salmon skin-side down over the vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top and season the salmon with the remaining oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The salmon is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The tomatoes should look slightly blistered and caramelized at the edges. Begin checking doneness at 15 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Notes
- For best flavor, use traditional Greek feta cheese which offers a tangy balance to the sweet tomatoes.
- Freshly ground garlic powder enhances the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Check salmon doneness early as cooking time can vary depending on thickness and oven variations.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or steamed greens for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baked salmon, feta cheese salmon, oven baked salmon, Mediterranean salmon, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner
