Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Description
Mediterranean Baked Salmon with feta and sun-dried tomatoes is an easy, flavorful dinner that brings together tender salmon, creamy feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and extra-virgin olive oil. The salmon is baked until perfectly tender while the feta becomes lightly golden and the tomatoes add a rich, savory Mediterranean flavor.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights because it requires minimal preparation and can be ready in about 25–30 minutes. Everything can be prepared in one baking dish, which also means less cleanup afterward.
The combination of juicy salmon, salty feta, bright lemon, garlic, and herbs makes this Mediterranean Baked Salmon flavorful enough for a special dinner while still being simple enough for an ordinary weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, about 5–6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Mediterranean Topping
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Extra parsley
- Fresh basil leaves
- A small drizzle of olive oil
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps prevent the salmon from sticking.
2. Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and encourages better browning during baking.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Brush this mixture evenly over the salmon.
3. Prepare the Mediterranean Topping
In another bowl, combine the crumbled feta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, parsley, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and black pepper.
Mix gently so the feta remains in small pieces rather than turning into a paste.
The sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated savory flavor, while the feta adds creaminess and a slightly salty taste.
4. Add the Topping
Spoon the Mediterranean topping over each salmon fillet.
Don’t completely cover the salmon with a thick layer. Leaving some of the salmon exposed allows the fish to roast properly while the feta and tomatoes become lightly browned on top.
5. Bake the Salmon
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
Thicker pieces may require a few additional minutes.
The salmon should easily flake with a fork while remaining moist in the center. For the most accurate result, check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.
For a moist, tender result, remove the salmon when it reaches approximately 145°F (63°C) after cooking.
6. Finish and Garnish
Remove the Mediterranean Baked Salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for about 2–3 minutes.
Finish with fresh parsley, basil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and an optional drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
If you enjoy spicy food, add a small pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Baked Salmon
Choose Similar-Sized Salmon Fillets
Try to use salmon fillets that are similar in thickness. This helps them finish cooking at approximately the same time.
Don’t Overbake the Salmon
One of the most common mistakes when preparing baked salmon is leaving it in the oven too long. Salmon continues cooking slightly after it comes out of the oven, so start checking it toward the lower end of the recommended cooking time.
Pat the Salmon Dry
Drying the surface before seasoning helps the olive oil and spices adhere better and prevents excess moisture from collecting in the baking dish.
Use Good-Quality Feta
Block feta generally provides a creamier texture and better flavor than very finely crumbled feta. However, either can work in this recipe.
Don’t Skip the Lemon
The lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the salmon, feta, and olive oil.
Drain Very Oily Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, lightly drain them before chopping. You don’t need to remove every bit of oil because some of that flavor is useful in the recipe.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Baked Salmon
This Mediterranean Baked Salmon works well with many simple side dishes.
Try serving it with:
- Lemon herb rice
- Quinoa
- Roasted potatoes
- Greek salad
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted zucchini
- Mediterranean couscous
- Warm pita bread
- Roasted vegetables
For a lighter meal, serve the salmon with a large Greek-style salad and roasted vegetables.
For a more filling dinner, pair it with lemon rice or roasted potatoes.
For a fresh and fruity side, try our Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Citrus Maple Dressing alongside the salmon.
Easy Variations
Add Spinach
Add a handful of fresh spinach underneath the salmon before baking. The spinach will wilt during cooking and absorb some of the flavorful juices.
Add Artichoke Hearts
Chopped artichoke hearts work beautifully with feta and sun-dried tomatoes and make the dish even more Mediterranean-inspired.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of crushed chili to the seasoning mixture.
Use Cherry Tomatoes
Add halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon before baking. They soften in the oven and create a delicious roasted tomato flavor.
Dairy-Free Version
For a dairy-free version, simply leave out the feta. You can add extra olives, herbs, artichokes, or roasted vegetables instead.
Storage
Allow leftover Mediterranean Baked Salmon to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, use a moderate oven temperature or microwave the salmon gently in short intervals. Avoid overheating because this can make the salmon dry.
Leftover salmon can also be flaked and added to salads, wraps, grain bowls, or pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Frozen salmon can be used, but it should ideally be completely thawed and patted dry before preparing the recipe.
How do I know when Mediterranean Baked Salmon is done?
The salmon should be opaque and should flake easily with a fork. For the most reliable result, use an instant-read thermometer and check the thickest part of the fillet.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the topping and seasoning several hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. For the best texture, assemble and bake the salmon closer to serving time.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes. Feta provides the classic salty Mediterranean flavor, but you can experiment with small amounts of goat cheese or another mild crumbly cheese.
Can I make this recipe without olives?
Absolutely. If you don’t enjoy olives, simply leave them out. The feta, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, garlic, and herbs will still provide plenty of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Cooked salmon can be refrigerated and used for lunches over the next few days. For meal prep, pair it with quinoa, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutrition values can vary depending on the size of the salmon fillets, feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes used.
If you enjoy spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomato flavors, you may also like our Stuffed Phyllo Cups with Spinach, Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Baked Salmon is a simple way to turn a few everyday ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying dinner. The salmon stays tender while feta adds creaminess, sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated savory flavor, and lemon and fresh herbs keep the dish bright and balanced.
Because everything comes together in one baking dish, it’s especially useful for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious homemade meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, rice, or potatoes for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner.