Mediterranean Baked Salmon

Baked Salmon is a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dinner made with tender salmon fillets, garlic, lemon, olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, olives, and a touch of feta. Baked Salmon is easy enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests, with bright flavors and a juicy, flaky texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 to 22 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Mediterranean Topping

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley
• Cooked couscous, quinoa, rice, or roasted potatoes
• Cucumber tomato salad, optional

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Salmon is simple, colorful, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The salmon stays moist in the oven while the lemon, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, olives, and feta create a bright and savory topping.

Another reason to love Baked Salmon is how quickly it comes together. Most of the preparation involves chopping a few ingredients and mixing a simple seasoning blend.

The dish is also easy to customize. You can adjust the herbs, vegetables, and toppings depending on what you already have in the refrigerator.

How to Make Baked Salmon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C.

Lightly grease a medium baking dish or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

Place them skin-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Drying the surface helps the seasoning cling to the fish and gives the finished salmon a better texture.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Mixture

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Season the Fillets

Spoon the garlic and lemon mixture over the salmon fillets.

Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly over the top and sides.

For the best texture, let the seasoned fish rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 5: Prepare the Mediterranean Topping

Add cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, parsley, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice to a bowl.

Toss gently until coated.

Keep the feta separate for now so it does not break down too much before baking.

Step 6: Add the Vegetables

Arrange the tomato and olive mixture around the salmon fillets.

Some of the tomatoes can sit beside the fish while a few pieces may be spooned over the top.

Step 7: Add the Feta

Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the vegetables and around the salmon.

The feta softens slightly in the oven and adds a creamy, salty contrast to the fresh lemon and tomatoes.

Step 8: Bake

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Baked Salmon is ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the center is cooked to your preferred doneness.

For food safety, fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C.

Step 9: Rest

Remove the baking dish from the oven.

Allow the salmon to rest for about 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

This short resting time helps the juices settle and keeps the fish tender.

Step 10: Finish with Fresh Flavor

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.

Add extra parsley, dill, black pepper, or feta if desired.

Serve Baked Salmon while warm with the roasted tomatoes and olives spooned over each fillet.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Salmon pairs beautifully with couscous, quinoa, brown rice, roasted potatoes, or warm pita bread.

For a lighter dinner, serve Baked Salmon with cucumber tomato salad, mixed greens, roasted zucchini, asparagus, or steamed green beans.

A simple yogurt and herb sauce also works well. Mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper for a cool contrast to the warm fish.

If you’re craving a creamy and comforting dinner, try these Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce filled with tender chicken, cheese, and a rich homemade white sauce.

Recipe Tips

Choose salmon fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook at the same rate.

Pat the fish dry before seasoning.

Do not overbake Baked Salmon, because salmon can become dry when left in the oven too long.

If your fillets are very thin, begin checking them several minutes early.

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.

Kalamata olives are especially good in this recipe, but green olives can also be used.

If you are sensitive to salt, reduce the added salt because both feta and olives already contribute plenty of savory flavor.

Easy Variations

Baked Salmon is easy to adapt with different Mediterranean ingredients.

For extra vegetables, add sliced zucchini, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach around the fish before baking.

If you prefer a stronger tomato flavor, add a spoonful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

For a spicy version, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the fillets before baking.

You can also swap dill for fresh basil, mint, or extra parsley.

For a dairy-free version, simply leave out the feta and add extra olives or roasted vegetables.

To make Baked Salmon more garlicky, add one or two extra minced garlic cloves to the olive oil mixture.

For an easy homemade kitchen staple, try these Homemade Chicken Stock Cubes for adding rich chicken flavor to soups, sauces, rice, and everyday meals.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Baked Salmon requires very little last-minute preparation, and several components can be made ahead.

Mix the garlic, lemon, olive oil, and seasonings up to one day ahead and refrigerate.

The tomatoes, olives, onion, and herbs can also be chopped several hours ahead.

Keep the salmon refrigerated until shortly before baking.

For the best texture, do not fully assemble the dish too far in advance because lemon juice can begin changing the surface texture of the fish.

When you are ready to cook, arrange everything in the baking dish, add the feta, and bake according to the recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Baked Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For gentle reheating, place the salmon in a covered baking dish and warm at 300°F or 150°C until heated through.

You can also microwave individual portions at a lower power level in short intervals.

Avoid overheating because this can dry out the fish.

Leftover salmon is also excellent served cold or at room temperature in salads, grain bowls, wraps, or sandwiches.

Freezing is possible, but the vegetables and feta may soften after thawing.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 430
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 680 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the salmon, feta, olives, oil, and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before seasoning.

Can I bake the salmon with the skin on?

Yes. Place the fillets skin-side down. The skin helps protect the fish from direct heat and can be removed after baking if you prefer.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes. Cod, haddock, trout, or halibut can work, although cooking times may differ.

How do I know when Baked Salmon is done?

The flesh should flake easily with a fork and look opaque through most of the center. An instant-read thermometer can also be used to check doneness.

Can I make this recipe without olives?

Yes. Leave them out or replace them with capers, artichoke hearts, or extra tomatoes.

What can I use instead of feta?

Goat cheese can work, or you can leave the cheese out completely.

Can I cook the salmon in foil?

Yes. You can bake Baked Salmon in a foil packet for an even softer, steamier texture. Leave a little room inside the packet so the heat can circulate.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes. It can be portioned with rice, quinoa, or vegetables for convenient lunches, although the fish is usually best within 2 to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

Baked Salmon is a simple Mediterranean-inspired meal that combines tender fish with lemon, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, olives, and feta.

The bright flavors make Baked Salmon feel fresh and satisfying without requiring a long ingredient list or complicated cooking method.

Because Baked Salmon cooks quickly and pairs with so many different sides, it works well for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or relaxed entertaining.

Keep Baked Salmon in your regular dinner rotation whenever you want an easy seafood meal with fresh Mediterranean flavor and very little cleanup.