This Mediterranean Salmon Bake is bright and tasty! With juicy salmon paired with veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives, every bite feels like a sunny day by the sea.
Honestly, making this dish is as easy as pie—just pop everything on a baking sheet and let the oven do its magic! I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is key for this recipe. If it’s unavailable, you can try other fatty fish like trout or even skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while zucchini and yellow squash add texture. If you’re out of these, bell peppers or asparagus work well too!
Kalamata Olives: These add a briny punch. If you don’t have Kalamata, green olives can serve as a substitute, but they’ll be milder.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary is wonderful, but if you don’t have it, dried rosemary is fine, or you can skip it altogether for simplicity.
Lemon: For acidity, fresh lemon juice shines. You can replace it with lime juice or a splash of white wine if you’re in a pinch.
How Do I Ensure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right every time! Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Follow these steps for juicy, flaky salmon:
- Use a food thermometer to check the center for doneness, especially for thick fillets.
- Bake the salmon until it easily flakes with a fork. It will continue to cook slightly after you take it out.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes after baking. This helps with flavor and texture!
Your salmon will be perfectly cooked if you keep a close eye on it while it bakes. Enjoy this healthy dish!
How to Make Mediterranean Salmon Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon and Vegetables:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 8 oz asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
For the Flavoring:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh if available
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
For Garnish (optional):
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or tarragon, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Salmon Bake takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Including baking and resting, you will need around 30-35 minutes to have this delicious dish ready to serve. Quick and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to cook your salmon and vegetables to perfection!
2. Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk it together until well mixed. This will be the tasty dressing for your salmon and veggies!
3. Arrange the Salmon and Vegetables:
Take a baking dish and place the salmon fillets in the center. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, zucchini rounds, yellow squash rounds, asparagus, and Kalamata olives around the salmon. Feel free to get creative with your arrangement!
4. Drizzle and Sprinkle:
Now, drizzle the olive oil mixture evenly over the salmon and the vegetables. If you have fresh rosemary, sprinkle it on top for added flavor!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the veggies are tender but still bright in color.
6. Let It Rest:
Once it’s baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, if you’d like, sprinkle fresh parsley or tarragon on top for a burst of freshness. Serve warm with the colorful roasted vegetables alongside the salmon. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
This Mediterranean Salmon Bake not only looks beautiful but also tastes amazing with minimal effort! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw it quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables Listed?
No worries! This recipe is versatile. You can swap in any favorite vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or green beans. Just ensure they are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, being careful not to dry out the salmon.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything ahead of time by marinating the salmon and chopping the vegetables. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When ready to cook, simply place it in the oven and adjust the cooking time as needed.
