Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Rich, flaky, and full of Mediterranean flavour, Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together tender oven-baked salmon, creamy feta cheese, and the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. The result is a beautifully balanced meal that is both wholesome and indulgent.
PrintBaked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Author: clare recipe
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Season salmon with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Place in the baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic and red onion until soft.
Add spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
Spoon the mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flaky.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, healthy meal prep, or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavour with minimal effort.
Understanding the Perfect Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
This dish is loved because it is:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with flavour
- Naturally healthy
- Elegant enough for guests
- High in protein and healthy fats
It combines fresh seafood with bold Mediterranean ingredients.
The Role of Salmon
Salmon is the star ingredient.
It provides:
- Rich, buttery texture
- High-quality protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Mild natural sweetness
When baked correctly, it becomes tender, juicy, and flaky.
Why Feta Cheese Works So Well
Feta adds:
- Creamy texture
- Tangy saltiness
- Bright contrast to rich salmon
- Mediterranean authenticity
It melts slightly in the oven while still holding its shape.
The Importance of Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes bring:
- Intense sweetness
- Deep umami flavour
- Chewy texture
- Natural acidity
They balance the richness of salmon and feta perfectly.
Why Mediterranean Flavours Work So Well Here
This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, which focuses on:
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs
- Tomatoes
- Cheese
- Lean proteins
These ingredients create a light yet flavour-rich dish.
Choosing the Best Salmon
For best results, choose:
Salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
- Keeps moisture in
- Adds crispy texture when seared
- Holds shape during baking
Fresh vs frozen
- Fresh gives best texture
- Frozen works well if fully thawed
The Importance of Baking
Baking allows the salmon to:
- Cook evenly
- Stay moist and tender
- Absorb surrounding flavours
- Require minimal oil
It is one of the healthiest cooking methods.
Optional Herb Enhancements
You can elevate the flavour with:
- Fresh dill
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
These herbs enhance the Mediterranean profile.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is ideal for:
- Healthy dinners
- Meal prep lunches
- Dinner parties
- Special occasions
- Light yet filling meals
It looks impressive but is very simple to make.
Nutritional Overview
This dish provides:
- High protein from salmon
- Healthy omega-3 fats
- Calcium from feta
- Antioxidants from tomatoes
It is both nourishing and satisfying.
Preparing Before Cooking
Before starting:
- Preheat oven
- Prepare salmon fillets
- Chop herbs
- Measure feta and tomatoes
- Lightly season fish
Preparation ensures smooth cooking.
What You’ll Learn in Part 2
Next, you’ll learn how to:
- Season and bake the salmon perfectly
- Prepare the feta and sun-dried tomato topping
- Combine everything into a rich, flavourful dish
- Serve it beautifully
This is where simple ingredients become a Mediterranean-inspired gourmet meal.
Baking and Assembling the Salmon Dish
Now it’s time to transform fresh salmon, tangy feta, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes into a flavour-packed Mediterranean meal. The key is baking the salmon gently so it remains moist and flaky while allowing the toppings to become warm and aromatic.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 150–180 g each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Topping
- 120 g feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (from the tomato jar if available)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil
- Lemon wedges
- Extra parsley
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Season evenly with:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Place the fillets skin-side down in the baking dish.
Prepare the Feta Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
- Crumbled feta
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Oregano
- Parsley
Mix gently until evenly combined.
The mixture should be chunky, colourful, and aromatic.
Top the Salmon
Spoon the feta and sun-dried tomato mixture evenly over each fillet.
Press lightly so the topping stays in place during baking.
Bake the Salmon
Place the dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
The salmon is ready when:
- It flakes easily with a fork
- The centre is opaque
- The topping is warmed through
Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the fish.
Optional Broil Finish
For a lightly golden topping, switch the oven to broil (grill setting) for 1–2 minutes.
Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Rest Briefly
Remove from the oven and allow the salmon to rest for 2–3 minutes.
This helps retain moisture and allows the flavours to settle.
Garnish
Finish with:
- Fresh basil
- Extra parsley
- Lemon wedges
The fresh herbs brighten the rich flavours.
Serve Immediately
Serve while warm and flaky.
The salmon should be tender, juicy, and coated with creamy feta and sweet-tangy tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Lemon rice
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Garlic green beans
- Mediterranean salad
These sides complement the dish without overpowering it.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use good-quality feta for maximum flavour
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning
- Don’t overcook the fish
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness
- Add fresh herbs just before serving
What the Finished Dish Should Be Like
Perfect Baked Salmon with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes should be:
- Moist and flaky
- Rich but balanced
- Tangy from the feta
- Sweet and savoury from the tomatoes
- Bright with Mediterranean flavours
Every bite should combine buttery salmon, creamy feta, and concentrated tomato flavour in a deliciously satisfying way.