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
Scale
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
