The bright flavors of the Mediterranean shine in this Greek Baked Salmon recipe. Juicy, flaky fillets are roasted with lemon and onion, then topped with a refreshing and tangy feta mixture full of juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and briny olives. A drizzle of olive oil and fresh dill brings it all together for a satisfying and healthy dish.
This dish is perfect for summer entertaining or an elevated weeknight dinner. It’s nutrient-rich, packed with healthy fats, and incredibly quick to prepare. Serve it with a bed of greens or a light grain like quinoa or orzo. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want something special for yourself, this salmon is guaranteed to impress.
Full Recipe:
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (about 12 oz. total), patted dry
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1 lemon, thinly sliced
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1 small red onion, sliced
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Kosher salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
For the Feta Topping:
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1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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Juice of 2 lemons
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp. dried oregano
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1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 cup cubed feta cheese
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1 cup quartered tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
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1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
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1/4 cup chopped Persian cucumbers
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1/4 cup chopped red onion
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2 tbsp freshly chopped dill
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with pepper. Add feta and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate while preparing salmon.
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Scatter sliced lemon and red onion across the bottom of a large baking dish.
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Place salmon fillets on top, skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
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Meanwhile, finish the topping by folding tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, additional red onion, and dill into the marinated feta mixture.
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Serve salmon hot, topped with the feta mixture and accompanied by roasted lemon and onion slices.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mediterranean Magic in Every Bite
Greek cuisine has long been celebrated for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a wholesome approach to food. One of the best examples of this philosophy comes to life in this Greek Baked Salmon with Marinated Feta—a dish that feels like a culinary vacation to the shores of the Aegean Sea. Combining rich, flaky salmon with a colorful topping of feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and herbs, this recipe is not only stunning on the plate but nourishing for the body.
What makes this dish so special is its balance. The richness of the salmon is perfectly complemented by the acidity of lemon, the saltiness of feta and olives, and the freshness of vegetables. It’s one of those recipes that bridges comfort food and light fare beautifully—rich without being heavy, and vibrant without being overly complicated.
The Role of Salmon in a Mediterranean Diet
Salmon isn’t a traditional fish in Greek cuisine—Mediterranean regions tend to lean on white fish like branzino or sea bream. However, incorporating salmon into Mediterranean-style cooking brings incredible nutritional value and flavor. Salmon is an oily fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. It’s also a high-quality source of protein and vitamin D.
When baked properly, salmon becomes tender, flaky, and rich—making it a great canvas for Mediterranean flavors. Roasting it with lemon slices and red onions not only infuses flavor but also keeps it moist and aromatic. The result is a dish that’s hearty yet still feels fresh and light.
Feta: Greece’s Most Beloved Cheese
No Greek-inspired dish would be complete without feta. This iconic white cheese, made primarily from sheep’s milk (or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk), brings a creamy texture and tangy flavor that enhances everything it touches. In this dish, feta is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano—creating an irresistible base for the topping.
The marinated feta doesn’t just serve as a garnish—it acts as a flavor enhancer. Its saltiness contrasts beautifully with the natural sweetness of roasted salmon and the acidity of tomatoes. When paired with fresh cucumbers, olives, and herbs like dill, it transforms into a Mediterranean salsa of sorts—bright, herbaceous, and deeply satisfying.
A Rainbow of Vegetables
The topping in this recipe is essentially a deconstructed Greek salad. It includes chopped Persian cucumbers for crunch, juicy cherry tomatoes for sweetness, kalamata olives for saltiness, red onions for sharpness, and fresh dill for brightness. This vibrant medley not only adds layers of flavor but also contributes essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Because the topping is raw and assembled after baking, it retains its freshness and textural contrast—perfectly balancing the soft, warm salmon beneath it. This combination makes every bite dynamic: warm and cool, soft and crisp, rich and acidic.
A Flexible, Crowd-Pleasing Dish
One of the most attractive features of this recipe is its versatility. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. If you’re entertaining, you can prep the topping in advance and pop the salmon into the oven when guests arrive—leaving you with time to enjoy the evening instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
It’s also incredibly adaptable. Don’t have Persian cucumbers? Use English or regular cucumbers. No cherry tomatoes? Try diced roma or heirloom varieties. You can even turn this topping into a salsa or spread it over pita for a second meal. And if you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting marinated tofu cubes or avocado for the feta.
Health Benefits Worth Noting
In addition to being absolutely delicious, this dish is loaded with health benefits. Salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health, brain function, and mood regulation. Olive oil—another staple in this recipe—is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support anti-inflammatory responses in the body.
The vegetables in the topping provide fiber, hydration, and key vitamins. Dill is known for aiding digestion and reducing bloating, while tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Feta cheese is lower in fat than most aged cheeses and is easier to digest, especially for people who are lactose-sensitive.
Combined, this dish fits beautifully into the Mediterranean diet—a lifestyle widely recognized for promoting longevity and reducing the risk of chronic disease. It’s low in refined carbs, high in good fats, and filled with whole, seasonal ingredients.
Ideal Pairings for the Complete Experience
If you’re serving this salmon as the star of your meal, a few simple sides will take it to the next level. Consider laying the fillets on a bed of peppery arugula or spinach, allowing the juices from the fish and the topping to dress the greens naturally. Alternatively, serve it alongside a Greek orzo salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or warm pita bread.
For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko will complement the dish’s brightness. If you’re keeping it non-alcoholic, a cucumber-mint sparkling water or a lemonade infused with herbs would match the flavors beautifully.
Finish the meal with a Greek yogurt dessert drizzled with honey and walnuts or a citrusy sorbet to refresh the palate.
Presentation Tips for Stunning Visual Appeal
This dish is naturally beautiful, but with a few extra touches, you can elevate its presentation. Use a white plate or rustic serving dish to let the colors of the toppings pop. Don’t be afraid to let the toppings spill over—it adds to the rustic, generous feel of Greek hospitality. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill or parsley for a final burst of green.
For added visual impact, serve the salmon over a smear of herbed Greek yogurt or a bright green tzatziki. The contrast in color and texture is irresistible both to the eye and the fork.
A Perfect Dish for Any Season
Although it shines brightest in warmer months—when cucumbers and tomatoes are at their peak—this dish can be enjoyed year-round. In winter, use grape tomatoes and greenhouse cucumbers to preserve the freshness. Swap out dill for parsley or basil depending on what’s in season, and you’ll still end up with a dish that feels bright and satisfying even on colder days.
You can also turn this recipe into a salad bowl: flake the salmon over greens, spoon the topping over it, and finish with a drizzle of the marinating oil. Add some roasted chickpeas or quinoa for an even more filling, nutrient-dense option.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Meal
Greek Baked Salmon with Marinated Feta isn’t just another salmon recipe—it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, a showcase of balance in cooking, and a testament to how wholesome ingredients can create gourmet-level results. Whether you’re trying to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a nourishing solo meal, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, nutrition, and visual appeal all in one plate.
It’s proof that healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. So light that oven, prep your herbs, and take your tastebuds on a little trip to the Greek islands—no passport required.
