If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, freshness, and a touch of indulgence, then the Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe offers a perfect harmony of tender, flaky salmon topped with tangy feta cheese and the rich sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a dish that feels both wholesome and decadently satisfying. It is a vibrant, colorful meal that brings the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dining table, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a nutritious and delicious dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe sing. Each element, from the creamy feta to the aromatic garlic, plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly unforgettable.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen fillets about 6 oz each for tender, flaky results.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess that beautifully complements the richness of the salmon.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a luscious, slightly sweet burst of concentrated tomato flavor.
- Olives (optional): Introduce a salty depth and a fun briny contrast.
- Olive oil: Essential for drizzling and enhancing the Mediterranean vibe while keeping everything moist.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds aromatic warmth and subtle pungency.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that ties the flavors together with its earthy, slightly minty notes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and uplifting all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a fresh burst of green color and mild herbaceousness.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the salmon perfectly – tender on the inside with a lightly baked topping that holds all the feta and tomato goodness in place.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, optional sliced olives, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until you have a cohesive, flavorful mixture that will coat each salmon fillet beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish. Lightly season them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor without overpowering the topping.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Evenly spoon the feta and sun-dried tomato mixture over each fillet, making sure every piece gets a generous layer to bake into a melty, delicious crust.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to seal in moisture and allow the salmon to bake gently, keeping it tender and juicy throughout the 15 minutes of covered baking time.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step lets the topping lightly brown and the salmon finish cooking so it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the salmon with freshly chopped parsley. This colorful garnish adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green, making the dish as beautiful as it tastes.
How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish for this dish, lending not only a bright color contrast but a subtle herbaceous note that balances the salty feta and sweet tomatoes. For an extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can elevate all the flavors with a citrusy shine.
Side Dishes
Pair this Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe with light, complementary side dishes. Think fluffy couscous tossed with herbs, roasted or steamed asparagus spears, or a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and red onion. These sides keep the meal balanced without overpowering the vibrant main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon on a bed of vibrant sautéed spinach or a colorful ratatouille. Alternatively, plate fillets with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to add an elegant crunch and a visual wow factor that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the textures intact.
Freezing
While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon if needed. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag. Consume within one month for the best quality. Keep in mind the feta topping may change texture slightly when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This slow reheating keeps the fish moist and prevents the feta and toppings from drying out or becoming rubbery. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for this Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe due to its rich flavor and texture, you can substitute with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are not available, you can use chopped roasted red peppers or even fresh diced tomatoes. The flavor will be milder, but you will still get that lovely splash of color and a hint of sweetness.
Is it necessary to cover the salmon while baking?
Covering the salmon with foil during the first part of baking is key to keeping it moist and tender. It helps trap steam and prevents the feta topping from drying out. Removing the foil later allows the cheese mixture to brown slightly for a lovely texture contrast.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, simply swap the feta cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip it entirely and increase the quantities of sun-dried tomatoes and olives to boost flavor. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast could add a cheesy note without dairy.
How spicy is this dish?
The Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is mild and not spicy by nature. If you want to add some heat, consider tossing a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the topping mixture for a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is like taking a culinary mini-vacation to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. With its vibrant flavors, delightful textures, and beautiful presentation, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and share the joy of a simple, wholesome meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
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Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Baked Salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets topped with a flavorful mixture of crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs. Baked to perfection, it’s a healthy and delicious dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) salmon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Topping Mixture
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 6 oz)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the salmon evenly and quickly.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives if using, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Season Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish and season each fillet generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Add Topping: Spoon the feta and sun-dried tomato mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, covering the surface with the flavorful mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to start cooking the salmon gently.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking the salmon for an additional 10 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating that it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Olives are optional but add a nice briny flavor that complements the feta and tomatoes.
- Use skin-on salmon for easier handling and added moisture during baking.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed, drain them slightly to avoid excess oil in the topping.
- Covering the dish initially helps keep the salmon moist and tender.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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