Hey friends!
Are you in the mood for a dinner that’s both healthy and super tasty? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m sharing my baked salmon with vegetables and feta.
It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and looks fancy enough for any dinner table.
Trust me, it’ll become a favorite in no time!
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the salmon, firm white fish like halibut or cod can be used as alternatives, offering similar textures and nutritional profiles. Adjust cooking time slightly as these fish may cook faster than salmon. Tofu or tempeh can serve as plant-based protein substitutes, though marinading is recommended to enhance flavor.
Feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese for a milder taste, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option that provides a cheesy flavor and B vitamins. Use about half the amount of nutritional yeast compared to feta.
Baby bella mushrooms can be substituted with white button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms. These alternatives offer similar textures and umami flavors. If using shiitake, remove the stems before cooking as they can be tough. Zucchini or eggplant can also work as low-carb, vegetable-based alternatives, though they will change the dish’s flavor profile slightly.
Preparation Time | 15-25 minutes |
Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
Total Time | 35-55 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 80-90 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 g
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, any color, cored and sliced into thin sticks
- 5 ounces baby bella mushrooms, trimmed and halved
- 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 5 to 6 ounces feta cheese block, cut into large chunks
- 6 to 7 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 6-ounce portions salmon fillet
- 1 to 2 large lemons, halved, for serving
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Spice Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sumac, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to create a flavorful spice mixture.
Set this aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Core and slice one bell pepper into thin sticks.
Trim and halve 5 ounces of baby bella mushrooms.
Peel 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, leaving them whole.
In a large bowl, mix the sliced bell pepper, halved mushrooms, and whole garlic cloves.
Season the vegetables with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and toss until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble Vegetables and Feta in the Skillet
Transfer the prepared vegetable mixture to a large cast iron skillet, spreading them out evenly.
Nestle a block of feta cheese (5 to 6 ounces) among the vegetables.
Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the skillet for added aroma and flavor.
Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the feta cheese to enhance the roasting process.
Step 4: Roast the Vegetables and Feta
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables and feta for 10 minutes.
This initial roasting will allow the vegetables to start softening and the cheese to begin melting.
Step 5: Prepare and Season the Salmon
While the vegetables are roasting, season 4 portions of salmon fillet (6 ounces each) with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
Sprinkle the spice mixture you prepared earlier over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well seasoned and coated.
Step 6: Add Salmon to the Skillet and Complete Cooking
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
Nestle the seasoned salmon fillets among the roasted vegetables.
Drizzle the salmon with extra virgin olive oil for added moisture and flavor.
Cover the skillet with a large piece of foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once the salmon is cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven.
Serve the salmon fillets immediately, garnishing with lemon halves if desired for a fresh burst of citrus flavor.
Enjoy your beautifully roasted salmon and vegetable dish!