Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tender, flaky salmon baked with creamy feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. This easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner comes together quickly and makes a flavourful, protein-rich meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Description
Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a simple yet impressive dinner that combines rich, tender salmon with the bold flavours of the Mediterranean.
The salmon is seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, and olive oil before being topped with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. As the salmon bakes, the feta softens slightly and the tomatoes release their concentrated savoury flavour, creating an irresistible combination.
The recipe requires minimal preparation and just one baking dish, making cleanup easy. It is delicious served with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, asparagus, a fresh green salad, quinoa, brown rice, or crusty whole-grain bread.
The combination of salmon, olive oil, feta, herbs, and vegetables makes this a flavourful and satisfying meal that can easily become part of your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
1½–2 lb salmon fillet, preferably skin-on or skinless according to preference
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Lemon wedges
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1–2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, sliced
Red pepper flakes for heat
Servings
Serves: 4
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 35–40 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
If your salmon fillet has skin, you can place it skin-side down. The skin can help protect the fish while baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings adhere to the fish and encourages better browning.
Place the salmon fillet in the prepared baking dish.
If you have one large fillet, you can leave it whole. Alternatively, cut it into four individual portions before baking.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Lemon juice
Stir until well combined.
The olive oil helps distribute the seasonings across the salmon while adding moisture and richness.
Step 4: Season the Salmon
Brush the garlic-herb mixture generously over the top of the salmon.
Make sure the entire surface is lightly coated.
For even more flavour, allow the seasoned salmon to sit for about 5–10 minutes while you prepare the toppings.
Step 5: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well.
If they are packed in oil, reserve a little of that flavourful oil if desired, but avoid adding excessive oil to the recipe.
Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
Scatter them evenly over the salmon.
Their sweet, tangy, concentrated flavour pairs beautifully with the rich salmon and creamy feta.
Step 6: Add the feta.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top.
Don’t worry if some feta falls onto the baking dish. Those little pieces can become beautifully golden around the edges while baking.
For a stronger feta flavour, use a little extra feta.
Step 7: Bake
Place the salmon in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
A thicker piece of salmon may require a few additional minutes, while thinner portions may cook more quickly.
The salmon should become opaque and flake easily with a fork.
For the best results, avoid overcooking.
Step 8: Check for Doneness
The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your salmon.
For food-safe preparation, the FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) measured at the thickest part.
A food thermometer is the most reliable way to check.
The salmon should also appear opaque and separate easily into flakes.
Step 9: Rest the salmon.
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for approximately 3–5 minutes.
This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the fish tender.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh parsley or basil.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
For extra Mediterranean flavour, garnish with sliced Kalamata olives and a few red pepper flakes.
Serve immediately with your favourite side dishes.
Notes
Choose Fresh Salmon
Look for salmon with a fresh appearance and firm flesh.
Fresh or properly thawed frozen salmon can both work well for this recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil generally have a softer texture and richer flavour.
Drain them well before using.
If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak them according to the package directions before chopping.
Feta
Traditional feta made from sheep’s milk or a sheep-and-goat milk blend has a particularly tangy flavour.
Pre-crumbled feta is convenient, but a block of feta often has a creamier texture and stronger flavour.
Don’t overcook.
Salmon continues cooking slightly after it comes out of the oven.
Check it toward the lower end of the cooking range, especially if your fillet is thinner.
Lemon
Fresh lemon juice brightens the rich flavours of salmon, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.
For an even stronger lemon flavour, add a little finely grated lemon zest.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
1. Pat the Salmon Dry
Drying the surface helps the seasoning stick and prevents excess moisture from collecting in the baking dish.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If making multiple portions, leave a little space between them.
This helps the salmon bake evenly.
3. Use a thermometer.
A digital thermometer is the easiest way to prevent undercooking or overcooking.
Insert it into the thickest part of the salmon.
4. Let the Salmon Rest
Allowing the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices.
5. Add Herbs at the End
Fresh parsley or basil adds a bright contrast to the rich ingredients.
6. Add Red Pepper Flakes
If you enjoy spicy food, sprinkle a small amount over the salmon before baking.
7. Use a Rimmed Baking Dish
The olive oil and juices released during baking can collect around the salmon, so a rimmed dish helps prevent spills.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Mediterranean Salmon
After baking, spoon a little plain Greek yoghurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic over the salmon.
This creates a creamy contrast to the sun-dried tomatoes and feta.
Spinach and Feta Salmon
Add 2 cups fresh baby spinach underneath the salmon.
The spinach will wilt while the fish cooks and absorb some of the flavourful juices.
Tomato and Olive Salmon
Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives along with the sun-dried tomatoes.
This creates an even more Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Spicy Feta Salmon
Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mixture.
Lemon Herb Salmon
Increase the lemon juice and add fresh parsley, dill, and lemon zest.
This version has a brighter, fresher flavour.
Garlic Parmesan Salmon
Replace some of the feta with freshly grated Parmesan for a more savoury, cheesy topping.
What to Serve With Baked Salmon
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
Vegetables
Roasted asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Roasted zucchini
Brussels sprouts
Mediterranean roasted vegetables
Sautéed spinach
Grains
Brown rice
Quinoa
Farro
Couscous
Bulgur
Wild rice
Salads
Greek salad
Cucumber and tomato salad
Mediterranean chickpea salad
Arugula salad with lemon dressing
Simple green salad
Other Options
Roasted baby potatoes
Garlic flatbread
Whole-grain bread
Hummus
Tzatziki
Storage
Allow leftover salmon to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, reheat gently in a covered skillet or in the oven at a low temperature.
Avoid prolonged high-heat reheating because salmon can become dry.
You can also enjoy leftover salmon cold over a salad or flaked into a grain bowl.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, assuming 4 servings and the ingredients listed above:
Calories: Approximately 480–550
Protein: Approximately 42–48 g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 7–10 g
Fat: Approximately 30–35 g
Fiber: Approximately 2–3 g
Sugar: Approximately 4–6 g
Sodium: Approximately 600–800 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the type of salmon, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and amount of salt used.
If you use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, the calorie and fat content may be slightly higher.
Benefits of Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
High in Protein
Salmon provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is important for maintaining muscles and supporting overall nutritional needs.
Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fatty fish such as salmon are naturally rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
These are important components of a balanced diet.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
Salmon, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.
Satisfying Meal
The combination of protein and healthy fats makes this meal satisfying and filling.
Mediterranean-Inspired
Olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, feta, and salmon create a flavourful combination inspired by Mediterranean cooking.
Easy One-Pan Dinner
Most of the preparation happens in one baking dish, making cleanup simple and convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking for more even results.
Pat it dry before seasoning.
2. Can I use salmon portions instead of one large fillet?
Absolutely.
Four individual salmon portions work very well. Keep in mind that smaller portions may cook faster than a large fillet.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, although the flavour will be different.
Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are excellent alternatives.
4. Can I use another cheese instead of feta?
Yes. Goat cheese, Parmesan, or even a little mozzarella can work.
Feta is recommended because its tangy flavour balances the richness of the salmon.
5. How do I know when the salmon is done?
The most reliable method is using a food thermometer.
The thickest portion should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety.
The fish should also appear opaque and flake easily.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the feta or replace it with a dairy-free feta alternative.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. The ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaged ingredients such as seasonings and sun-dried tomatoes if strict gluten avoidance is necessary.
8. Can I prepare the salmon ahead?
You can prepare the seasoning mixture and toppings ahead of time.
For best quality, bake the salmon shortly before serving.
9. Can I add spinach?
Definitely.
Place fresh spinach underneath or around the salmon before baking.
It will wilt into the flavourful juices.
10. What herbs work best?
Italian seasoning, oregano, parsley, basil, and dill all pair beautifully with salmon.
11. Can I make this without olive oil?
You can reduce the olive oil, but a small amount helps keep the salmon moist and carries the garlic and herb flavours.
12. Why is my salmon dry?
Overcooking is the most common reason.
Cooking time varies significantly according to thickness, so begin checking early and use a thermometer whenever possible.
Recipe at a Glance
Recipe: Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Final Thoughts
Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is an easy dinner that delivers restaurant-style flavour with very little effort. Tender salmon is seasoned with garlic, herbs, and paprika before being topped with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy feta.
The combination of rich salmon, salty feta, sweet-tart tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh lemon creates a balanced flavour in every bite.
Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp Mediterranean salad, quinoa, or brown rice for a complete meal.
Simple ingredients, one baking dish, and less than 25 minutes in the oven make this a perfect recipe for busy nights when you want something healthy, flavourful, and satisfying.
CategoriesMediterranean Recipes