This Oven Greek Salmon is a bright and healthy dish, cooked to perfection. It’s topped with fresh herbs, olives, and a squeeze of lemon for that lovely Mediterranean twist!
Every bite feels like a warm vacation by the sea. I love serving it with a side of rice or veggies, and trust me, the flavors are so good, even the kitchen will smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you can’t find fresh, frozen fillets will also work—just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If tomatoes aren’t in season, you could use grape tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist!
Baby Potatoes: I prefer yellow potatoes for their creamy texture, but red or even diced sweet potatoes can be excellent alternatives.
Kalamata Olives: These olives give a briny punch. If you’re not a fan, green olives or even capers could work well too.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley are traditional here. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used, but reduce the amount to about one-third since dried is more concentrated.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky, but there are a few key tips! First, don’t rush it. Start by roasting the potatoes for a few minutes before adding the salmon. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Check the salmon at the 12-minute mark. It should flake easily with a fork but still be moist.
- Using a meat thermometer can help; it should register around 145°F (63°C).
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices settle and enhances flavor!
Oven Greek Salmon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup baby potatoes (yellow or new potatoes)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
For the Flavors:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh onion or shallot, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping, with the rest spent cooking in the oven. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and gives you that delicious roasted flavor.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a baking dish, arrange the baby potatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic over the top. Toss them around to coat all sides. Roast these in the oven for 15 minutes.
3. Add Salmon to the Dish:
After 15 minutes of roasting, carefully pull the baking dish out of the oven. Nestle the salmon fillets in between the potatoes in the dish. They’ll soak up all those lovely flavors!
4. Scatter the Veggies:
Now, scatter the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives around the salmon and potatoes. This adds a lovely color and flavor to the dish!
5. Make the Flavor Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dill, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until combined.
6. Coat Everything:
Using a spoon, drizzle the herb and lemon mixture over the salmon fillets and veggies. Make sure everything is nicely coated; you want all those flavors to blend together!
7. Bake Until Perfect:
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Final Touches:
Once done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and the finely chopped onion or shallot if you like. It adds a lovely crunch and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dish warm, spooning the delicious pan juices over the salmon and vegetables. This meal is sure to impress!
Enjoy a fresh, vibrant Greek-inspired salmon dinner that’s easy and elegant!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Kalamata Olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives on hand, green olives or even capers can be great substitutes. They’ll add a different but delicious flavor to the dish!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it covered in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or gently reheat in the microwave.
