Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful way to elevate your salmon dinner, the Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon is an absolute showstopper. This dish combines creamy, tangy feta with fresh herbs for a crust that’s bursting with brightness and texture. It isn’t just delicious; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for irresistible seafood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing the perfect Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon. Each component is straightforward yet essential, contributing layers of flavor, moisture, and that gorgeous herbaceous crunch on top. These ingredients keep the dish fresh, bright, and downright addictive.

• Salmon fillet: Choose fresh or thawed salmon, such as Steelhead or Atlantic, which offers a rich flavor and tender texture.
• Feta cheese (1/2 cup): The creamy saltiness of feta balances beautifully with herbs and the lemon’s zing.
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a bright, grassy note that livens up the crust.
• Fresh chives (2 tablespoons, chopped): Provides a mild onion flavor that complements both the salmon and feta.
• Juice of half a lemon: Brings a refreshing acidity that brightens every bite.
• Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors without overpowering the delicate fish.
• Pinch of pepper: Adds a subtle warmth to round out the seasoning.

How to Make Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, so your salmon comes out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Combine the Crust Ingredients

On a cutting board, toss together the fresh parsley, chives, feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use your knife to chop and mix everything together until the herbs and cheese form a cohesive, flavorful topping. This step is where those brilliant herbaceous aromas begin to build.

Step 3: Top the Salmon with the Feta Herb Mixture

Take your salmon fillet and spread the feta and herb mixture evenly over the top. Press it down gently to help it stick and form that irresistible crust. This blend will bake into a crisp, savory coating that perfectly complements the tender salmon beneath.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Place the salmon in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust turns golden and slightly crisp. The result is a beautifully cooked filet that’s moist and infused with fresh, tangy flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, your Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon is ready to delight. Serve it hot, letting the crust remain crisp and the salmon succulent. This dish’s flavor profile is straightforward yet magnificent, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add a fresh burst of flavor, consider garnishing your salmon with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or chives. A light drizzle of extra lemon juice or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt can also brighten the dish just before serving, adding a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light couscous or quinoa salad. Even simple roasted potatoes or steamed asparagus can complement the flavors without overshadowing the rich, fresh crust.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate your salmon on a bed of mixed greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. You can also serve it atop a creamy risotto or alongside colorful Mediterranean-inspired sides like olives and sun-dried tomatoes to bring out the feta’s Greek flair. The crust’s beautiful texture and color make it a centerpiece worth showcasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within two days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor, keeping that fresh tangy crust intact.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon with the feta crust is not highly recommended because the texture of both the fish and the crust can be compromised when thawed. However, you can freeze the raw salmon and herb mixture separately for up to one month for future use.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven (around 275 degrees) to preserve moisture and crisp up the crust a bit. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the salmon dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before applying the feta and herb crust to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Is feta cheese essential or can I substitute it?

Feta is key to achieving that creamy tang and crumbly texture that defines this crust, but you could substitute with another crumbly cheese like goat cheese if needed.

Can I prepare the crust mix ahead of time?

Yes, you can combine the parsley, chives, feta, lemon juice, salt, and pepper a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge to save time on cooking day.

Is this recipe suitable for a light dinner?

Definitely. The salmon is rich in protein and healthy fats, and paired with fresh herbs and lemon, it feels light but satisfying—a perfect choice for a nourishing evening meal.

Can I add other herbs to the crust?

Feel free to experiment with dill, basil, or tarragon to tweak the flavor profile, but parsley and chives keep it fresh and balanced.

Final Thoughts

With its bright, tangy feta crust and fresh herby notes, this Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon is truly a dish that invites you to savor every bite. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for sharing with friends. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something this flavorful and memorable.

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