Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Description:
This easy yet elegant baked salmon dish brings together tender, flaky salmon fillets, tangy crumbled feta, and richly flavored sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless or skin-on
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them in a baking dish lined with parchment or lightly greased.
- Season: Drizzle olive oil over the salmon. Sprinkle with garlic powder (or minced garlic), oregano, salt, and pepper. Squeeze lemon juice evenly over the fillets.
- Top: Sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top of each fillet.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite sides like rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Notes:
- You can use fresh cherry tomatoes as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes, but the flavor will be milder.
- If using salmon with skin, place the fillet skin-side down for crispness.
- Crumbled goat cheese can replace feta for a creamier texture.
Tips:
- Don’t overbake! Salmon dries out quickly. Check at 12 minutes.
- Use a baking thermometer if unsure—salmon is done at 145°F (63°C).
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano.
Servings:
Serves 4 people
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: ~450 mg
Health Benefits:
- Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart and brain health.
- Feta adds calcium and protein while being lower in fat than many cheeses.
- Sun-dried tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene and a punch of umami flavor.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep the salmon and toppings a few hours ahead, but bake it fresh for best texture.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and baking.
Q: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Try lemon-herb quinoa, couscous, garlic green beans, or a cucumber-tomato salad.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.