Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Salmon
Craving a delicious and heart-healthy meal? Look no further than this scrumptious Mediterranean Salmon recipe that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the olive oil mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Top each fillet with lemon slices, olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information:
– Calories: 350
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 4g
– Protein: 35g
Popular questions:
- Question: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
- Question: Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Question: Can I use a different type of fish?
- Question: Can I add more vegetables?
- Question: How can I make this recipe spicy?
- Question: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Question: Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
- Question: Can I use canned olives instead of Kalamata?
- Question: Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Question: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Marinate the salmon in the olive oil mixture for added flavor.
- Serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Try adding capers for a burst of tanginess.
- Roast some red peppers alongside the salmon for a colorful side dish.
- Sprinkle with pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Enjoy leftovers cold on a salad or sandwich the next day.
- Cook the salmon until it flakes easily with a fork, but be careful not to overcook as it can become dry.
- For a smoky flavor, try grilling the salmon over wood chips or charcoal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- For a citrusy twist, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry before brushing with the olive oil mixture for a crispy skin.
- Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- For a Mediterranean flair, add chopped fresh mint to the olive oil mixture.
- To prevent sticking, use a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper when baking the salmon.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade to complement the flavors.
Answer: Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried. Just use three times the amount of fresh herbs as the recipe calls for dried.
Answer: Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as goat cheese or Parmesan, instead of feta.
Answer: While salmon is recommended for this recipe, you can try using other fish like trout or snapper.
Answer: Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to customize this dish to your liking.
Answer: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the olive oil mixture for a kick of heat.
Answer: While it’s best fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
Answer: Grilling the salmon will also achieve delicious results; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Answer: Yes, you can use any type of olives that you prefer, canned or fresh.
Answer: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to ensure ingredients are safe.
Answer: You can omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
