Give your weeknight dinner routine a Greek twist with this extra easy Greek salmon recipe! This decidedly Mediterranean fish recipe proves that keeping things simple does not mean you have to sacrifice flavor. An oregano-scented sauce made with a bold amount of lemon and garlic infuses the fish with vibrant Greek flavor. Sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes, green onion, and dill add a freshness to make it truly irresistible. Whip up a Greek Salad while the salmon bakes and you’ll have a healthy, colorful dinner on your table in 15 minutes or less.
Ingredients for this Greek Salmon Recipe
Though the flavors are decidedly Greek, this easy-baked salmon is made with pantry essentials and simple ingredients you’ll find at just about any grocery store. You’ll need:
Though extra virgin olive oil plays a supporting role, its part is essential. Not only does it coat the fish, keeping it juicy as it roasts, it also infuses the fish with the other flavor-makers and its own unique richness. READ MORE: Cooking with Olive Oil: Everything You Need to Know! RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE: Go Greek with out Favorite Olive Oils from Greece! Dill and fresh lemon juice and zest lift the richness of the salmon. You can swap in parsley and lime in their place. Garlic is an essential ingredient all across the Mediterranean and Middle East, adding a boldly sweet and savory flavor. Greek oregano adds an aromatic, peppery note that’s very textbook-Greek (see “Ingredient Spotlight” below for more). Salmon: I prefer center cut because it’s the same size throughout, ensuring it will cook evenly. I say that with full awareness that this is an easy weeknight recipe—use what you have. If the thin part of the salmon is a tiny bit overcooked then dinner can still go on! Kosher salt and black pepper enhance the other flavors. Green onion adds another layer of sweet and savory flavor. Shallots, red onions, and chives all work in its place. Cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredient Spotlight
Oregano is a fragrant herb from the mint family. The fresh leaves and stems are somewhat mild-tasting, but when they’re dried you get a stronger, more intense flavor. It’s often responsible for the earthy, peppery undertones and savory scent that defines Greek cuisine. There are several types of oregano, with Greek, Italian, and Mexican being the most well-known. Any variety can be used in this recipe, though I prefer the bold, aromatic flavor of authentic Greek oregano. Whichever you choose, aim for fresh, green leaves with a vibrant aroma rather than ones that are brown or dull.
TRY IT: Find authentic Greek oregano at our shop. BEST SUBSTITUTE: Italian Seasoning.
How to Make this Easy Greek Salmon Recipe
The steps here are simple enough to memorize: Make a flavorful sauce, throw the salmon and veggies in a baking dish, cover with the sauce, and baked until cooked through.
Get ready. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking dish that’s large enough to hold the salmon. Make a Greek-style sauce. Zest one lemon, then slice it in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. To the bowl, add half of the zest, 1 to 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons Greek oregano and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Add enough olive oil to generously coat the salmon (about 1/3 cup) and whisk to combine. Prep 1 pound of center-cut salmon. Pat the salmon dry and season with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. Place in the prepared baking dish. Add some more flavor. Trim and chop 2 green onions and scatter on the salmon, along with 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes. Spoon the Greek sauce over everything. Roast the salmon. Bake in the heated oven until the thickest part of the salmon flakes easily with a fork, 8 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining lemon zest and dill and serve.
What Does “Flakes with a Fork” Mean, Exactly?
You’ll often hear the phrase, “flakes with a fork” to describe fish being cooked through. If you’re asking yourself, “What in the world does that mean?” here is an easy step-by-step:
Remove the fish from the oven. Insert a metal fork into the thickest part of the fillet. This is usually near the center. The fish will have “flakes,” almost like a biscuit, that run in one direction. Pull in the opposite direction. The fish should easily give in to your fork pulling it that way. If just the very top opens but the middle stays stubbornly stuck together, it means it’s not cooked through. The middle part will also look pink. Put it back in the oven until it flakes!
Ways to Mix it Up
You can absolutely use this easy Greek salmon as a base to tweak according to what you have on hand or what you’re feeling that day. You’ll never get bored! Here are 4 ideas:
Seasoning: Lemon and garlic get along with just about everything. Try Italian Seasoning or your favorite spice blend, like za’atar. Herbs: Any tender green herbs, like parsley or mint. Veggies: Any quick-cooking veggies, like red onions, zucchini, and bell peppers. Fish: Any flaky fish, like cod or trout (adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the fillet).
What to Serve with Greek Salmon
Though this salmon’s flavors certainly lean Greek, it’s a versatile protein that can go with just about any salad and grain. That said, you can repurpose many of the ingredients to make a fresh Greek Salad, which is not only convenient but also delicious. Same goes for the Greek lettuce salad called Maroulosalata. You can happily stop there, but I like to round things out with a grain. Greek Lemon Rice and Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) both come to mind. Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
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