This Mediterranean Salmon Bake is a dish that packs a flavorful punch! It features tender salmon baked with colorful veggies like tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers.
What I love most is how easy it is to make—just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. Plus, the smells it creates will have your family running to the kitchen! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets give the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, use frozen salmon—just thaw it beforehand. You can also try trout or even chicken for a different protein option.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Substitute with diced regular tomatoes if needed. Zucchini and cauliflower are great choices, but feel free to toss in bell peppers or broccoli as well if you have them on hand.
Kalamata Olives: These add a nice briny flavor. If you don’t have them, green olives or black olives work fine too! Or you can skip them if olives aren’t your thing.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill is lovely, but you can swap it with basil or parsley based on your preference. Dried herbs are a decent alternative if fresh isn’t available—use about a third of the amount.
How Do You Make Sure the Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to juicy salmon is not overcooking it. Start with a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Salmon should take 15-20 minutes to bake, depending on thickness. To check if it’s done:
- Look for a light pink color in the center and a translucent appearance—this means it will flake easily when poked with a fork.
- If you can, use a thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute.
Perfectly cooked salmon is not dry, and with the marinade, it’s flavorful and tender. Enjoy your meal! 🌟
How to Make Mediterranean Salmon Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon and Marinade:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional, about 2 tablespoons)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 10-12 Kalamata olives
- 8-10 green asparagus spears
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Salmon Bake requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in about 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to cook everything perfectly.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
3. Marinade the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. Brush the marinade generously over each salmon fillet, covering them well. If you like, sprinkle fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese on top for extra flavor.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
In another bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, cauliflower florets, Kalamata olives, and asparagus. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the seasoned vegetables around the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Make sure everything has some space to roast nicely!
6. Bake the Dish:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices. Serve the salmon alongside the roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a delightful meal.
Enjoy this healthy, vibrant, and flavorful Mediterranean Salmon Bake that beautifully balances rich salmon with fresh herbs and roasted veggies! 🌿🍋
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for faster thawing. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
What if I Don’t Have All the Vegetables Listed?
No problem at all! This recipe is very flexible. You can substitute any of the vegetables with whatever you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Just adjust cooking times as necessary for different veggies.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salmon and vegetable marinade in advance. Keep everything separate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply assemble and cook according to the recipe instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave, being careful not to overcook the salmon again. Enjoy it cold in a salad, too!