Greek salmon is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines fresh salmon fillets with traditional Greek ingredients and seasonings. The salmon is typically marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and dill, then baked or grilled.
Why You’ll Love Greek Salmon:
- Flavorful and Delicious: Greek salmon is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and dill, giving it a bright and savory taste.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. The Mediterranean ingredients add vitamins and antioxidants.
- Simple and Quick to Make: The recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in a short amount of time. Whether baked or grilled, it’s easy to cook and perfect for a quick meal.
- Versatile: Greek salmon can be paired with a variety of side dishes, such as Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or grains like orzo and lentils, making it suitable for any meal.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the herbs and lemon zest make the dish look as good as it tastes, adding a beautiful presentation to your meal.
Key ingredients for this recipe:
To make this Greek salmon recipe, we have to take the following ingredients:
- Salmon Fillets: The main protein of the dish, providing a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Olive Oil: Used for marinating and cooking, adding a healthy fat that enhances the flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the salmon.
- Garlic: Provides a robust, savory taste that complements the other ingredients.
- Herbs (e.g., Oregano, Dill): Traditional Greek herbs that infuse the salmon with aromatic flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds sweetness and acidity to the dish, balancing the flavors.
- Optional Vegetables (e.g., Red Peppers flakes, Red Onions): Can be added for extra nutrition and variety.
Necessary Equipment:
To make this recipe of best greek salmon, we usually need the following equipment:
- Sheet Pan: Ideal for baking the salmon and vegetables together for even cooking.
- Sauté Pan: Useful if you prefer to pan-sear the salmon before baking or as an alternative cooking method.
- Chef Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for preparing ingredients.
- Microplane Grater: Handy for zesting lemons or grating garlic for the marinade.
- Small Bowl: Used for mixing the marinade ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring the marinade and other preparations.
- Air Fryer (optional): Can be used as an alternative method to cook the salmon, providing a crispy texture.
How to make this delicious recipe – Step by step instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Marinate the Salmon:
- Place four salmon fillets in a baking dish.
- Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well-coated.
- Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and 1 red onion.
- Optionally, add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Place the vegetables around the salmon fillets in the baking dish.
- Bake the Salmon:
- Put the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Remove the salmon from the oven.
- Serve the salmon fillets with the roasted vegetables on the side.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a Greek Salad:
- Serve the salmon alongside a traditional Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. The freshness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the salmon.
- Over Rice or Orzo:
- Place the salmon on a bed of rice or orzo pasta. Both options are great for soaking up any extra marinade or juices from the salmon, adding more flavor to the dish.
- With Roasted Vegetables:
- Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal.
- In a Wrap or Pita:
- Flake the salmon and use it as a filling for wraps or pitas. Add some tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and chopped veggies for a delicious and portable meal.
- On a Bed of Greens:
- Place the salmon on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light and healthy option. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette for added flavor.
- With Lemon Potatoes:
- Serve the salmon with Greek lemon potatoes, which are roasted with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. The tangy potatoes are a perfect match for the savory salmon.
Nutrition information:
The nutrition information for Greek salmon can vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size. Here is a general overview based on various sources:
- Calories:
- A bowl of Greek-style salmon (Meal Simple by H.E.B) contains approximately 560 calories.
- A Greek salad with grilled salmon typically contains around 392 to 630 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.
- Macronutrients:
- The macronutrient breakdown for a typical serving of Greek-style salmon is approximately 33% carbohydrates, 48% fat, and 19% protein.
- Specific Nutrition Values (for a Greek salad with grilled salmon):
- Carbohydrates: Around 17.6 grams
- Fat: Approximately 25.4 grams
- Protein: Detailed breakdown not provided but the protein content is significant due to the salmon.