If you’re looking for a dish that feels effortlessly elegant yet packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, this Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe is going to steal your heart and your dinner guests’ taste buds. The tender, flaky salmon melds beautifully with the briny, savory tapenade and the creamy tang of feta, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that feels both fresh and indulgent. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare but looks like you’ve spent hours crafting it, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first magic step in this Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: the salmon brings rich, buttery texture; olive oil and lemon juice add brightness and moisture; oregano introduces a subtle herbal note; and the tapenade, feta, and parsley combine to create a vibrant, flavorful topping.
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet: Choose a fresh, skin-on piece for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps keep the salmon moist while baking.
- 1/2 lemon, juiced: Brightens the dish with fresh acidity that balances the richness of the fish.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, earthy aroma typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade: A vibrant blend of olives that delivers salty, umami-packed depth.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta adds a delightful contrast to the tapenade.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Freshens everything up with its bright color and herbaceous bite.
How to Make Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Salmon
Start by placing the salmon fillet on a sheet pan. Gently massage the olive oil over the surface of the fish; this step not only helps the seasonings stick but ensures a succulent, moist finish. Next, drizzle the fresh lemon juice evenly, which wakes up the flavors, followed by a sprinkle of dried oregano for that classic Mediterranean hint.
Step 2: Bake for Perfect Flakiness
Transfer your salmon to a cold oven to let it warm up gradually, which helps cook the fish evenly. Turn your oven to 400° F and bake the salmon for about 20 minutes. The fish is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork, or ideally reaches an internal temperature of 125º F, giving you a tender and juicy result.
Step 3: Make the Olive Tapenade and Feta Topping
While the salmon is baking, combine the olive tapenade, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley in a bowl. This mixture is the star of the dish, marrying salty, creamy, and fresh flavors. Give it a gentle stir to make sure every bite is packed with personality.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon is out of the oven and perfectly cooked, serve it on a platter or individually plated, generously topped with your olive tapenade and feta mixture. The combination creates a vibrant, colorful presentation and a mouthwatering flavor explosion in every forkful.
How to Serve Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle some extra chopped fresh parsley or a few thin lemon slices over the top right before serving. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a luscious finish and bring out the herbs’ aroma.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think herbed couscous or fluffy quinoa to soak up the tasty tapenade juices, or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes also complement the Mediterranean vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try serving the salmon on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside grilled flatbread, inviting guests to create their own bites with extra tapenade and feta. Alternatively, turn it into a light lunch by flaking the salmon and tossing it into a mixed greens salad with the tapenade as a dressing component.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tricky!), place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Keep the tapenade and feta mixture separate until you’re ready to serve again to preserve its fresh texture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh salmon is always best, you can freeze leftover cooked salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. However, it’s better to freeze the salmon before cooking for optimal taste and texture. The tapenade topping is best prepared fresh and not frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven at 275° F for about 10-15 minutes to prevent drying it out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery. Add the tapenade topping fresh after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is ideal for its rich flavor and flaky texture, this recipe works beautifully with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or even swordfish. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your fillets.
Is olive tapenade difficult to make at home?
Not at all! Homemade tapenade typically involves finely chopping or blending olives with capers, anchovies, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice. But for convenience, store-bought tapenade works perfectly for this recipe, especially when you want quick prep.
Can I prepare the tapenade and feta mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the tapenade, feta, and parsley up to a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge but give it a quick stir before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
What wine pairs well with Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements this dish wonderfully. The acidity in the wine balances the saltiness of the tapenade and the richness of the salmon.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option if you’re avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe brings a sunny Mediterranean spirit right onto your dining table with ease and flair. Its combination of fresh, salty, and creamy elements makes it a standout dish anyone can master. I truly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress and satisfy!
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Salmon with Olive Tapenade and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This flavorful Salmon with Olive Tapenade dish offers a perfect balance of tender baked salmon topped with a zesty blend of olive tapenade, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Easy to prepare and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, it combines Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients to create a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Tapenade Topping
- 1/2 cup olive tapenade
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet on a sheet pan. Massage the olive oil evenly over the surface of the salmon. Drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle with dried oregano to enhance the flavor.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the sheet pan to a cold oven and then set the oven temperature to 400° F. Bake the salmon for 20 minutes until it is flaky and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 125º F for perfect doneness.
- Make the Tapenade Mixture: While the salmon is baking, combine the olive tapenade, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley in a bowl. Stir well to blend the flavors together.
- Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, plate it and generously top with the olive tapenade mixture. Serve immediately for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh oregano for dried if preferred, but use more as the flavor is milder.
- Ensure the salmon is not overcooked to maintain its moist, tender texture.
- Use high-quality olive tapenade for the best flavor impact.
- Leftover tapenade mixture can be used as a spread on bread or crackers.
