Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs

This Greek-inspired Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs recipe is perfect for any occasion. Rich and tender salmon is coated in a garlic-infused compound butter with fresh parsley, dill, chives, oregano, and bright lemon zest. After roasting to perfection, the salmon is topped with crumbled feta and broiled until the cheese is lightly golden and creamy.

Jump to:

• Ingredients needed to make Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs
• How to make Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs
• Selecting the Perfect Feta Cheese for Your Roasted Salmon
• How to Make Garlic Herb Compound Butter
• Tips for Cooking Perfect Roasted Salmon
• Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs
• What tools do you need to make Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs?
• Looking for more Delicious Seafood Recipes?
• Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs

Ingredients needed to make Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs

• Salmon - Fresh, wild-caught salmon adds so much flavor to this dish if you can source it.
• Feta - I prefer to use Greek block style feta in brine, but you can use whatever is easily accessible to you.
• Unsalted butter - I like to start with unsalted butter so I canbetter control the salt level in this dish. You'll be adding salt directly to the compound butter and be adding salty feta to the top as well.
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh dill
• Fresh chives
• Fresh oregano
• Lemon zest - Adds a lovely bright flavor that compliments the flavor of the salmon and herbs and cuts through the added richness of the feta cheese.
• Garlic powder - I prefer to use garlic powder for ease of use, but you can easily substitute fresh minced garlic if you have it on hand.
• Kosher salt - Diamond Crystal Kosher salt is a staple in my pantry.
• Cracked black pepper

How to make Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs

Creating this easy salmon dinner is super easy with these simple steps:

1. Create a flavorful compound butter by combining softened butter, minced fresh parsley, dill, chives, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper together in a bowl.
2. Generously spread the softened compound butter over the salmon fillets with a spatula.
3. Roast the salmon in the oven until cooked mostly through, then remove from the oven.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the roasted salmon, then return it to the oven.
5. Broil the salmon briefly to achieve a golden crust on the feta cheese topping.
6. Garnish the dish with a generous sprinkle of extra fresh herbs and zesty lemon zest.
7. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes -- I suggest roasted asparagus and rice!

Selecting the Perfect Feta Cheese for Your Roasted Salmon

When it comes to choosing the perfect feta cheese for this recipe, my preference is always Greek block feta. It offers a creamy and fresh texture that is so lovely on this Greek-inspired salmon dish. The salty brine that surrounds the feta not only helps in maintaining its freshness and creaminess but also extends its shelf life, making it convenient if you have extra feta leftover to store in the fridge.

In case Greek block feta in brine is not available, the vacuum-packed blocks are a suitable alternative, although they may have a slightly less creamy texture. I would suggest avoiding pre-crumbled feta if possible, as it tends to be drier and lacks the full flavor profile that block feta provides.

How to Make Garlic Herb Compound Butter

Create a mouthwatering herb-crusted salmon by generously spreading a flavorful garlic herb compound butter over the fillets before baking them to perfection. The combination of aromatic herbs and buttery richness will elevate the flavors of the salmon, resulting in a delectable and impressive dish that everyone is sure to love!

To make the garlic herb compound butter for your herb-crusted salmon, follow these steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, finely chopped parsley, dill, chives, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Using a fork or spatula, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Pro Tip

I love to make a double or triple batch of this garlic herb compound butter to have on hand for a later date. Traditionally, compound butter is chilled into a log shape and sliced into disks, as outlined below.

Once the compound butter has been mixed, separate out the additional portion into a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll the butter mixture into a log shape, wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Twist the ends of the wrap to secure the compound butter log.

Refrigerate the compound butter for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld together. Once chilled and firm, the Garlic Herb Compound Butter is ready to be used in your recipes. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months if stored in an airtight container. Here are some more of my favorite compound butter recipes!

Tips for Cooking Perfect Roasted Salmon

When it comes to cooking perfect roasted salmon, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind. By following these tips, you should be able to achieve perfectly roasted salmon with a tender, flaky texture and delicious flavors:

• Start with high-quality salmon: Begin with fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Look for firm flesh and vibrant color, and if possible, opt for wild-caught salmon for its superior flavor and nutritional value.
• Top with compound butter: Elevate your roasted salmon by generously spreading garlic herb compound butter over the fillets before cooking. The compound butter will melt during the roasting process, infusing the salmon with aromatic flavors and adds a luxurious touch to your roasted salmon.
• Optimal cooking temperature: This oven-roasted salmon par-cooks at 425 degrees Fahrenheit / 220 degrees Celcius. Then, after topping with feta, finishes under the broiler for just a few minutes to finish. The resulting dish should be tender, flaky, and evenly cooked.
• Watch the cooking time closely: Salmon cooks relatively quickly and overcooking can result in dry and tough fish, while undercooking may leave it raw in the center. Since this dish involves both roasting and finishing under the broiler, the salmon essentially cooks twice. Therefore, it's crucial not to let the fish overcook during its initial roast to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure accuracy, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. I like to aim for an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit / 57 degrees C after it initially comes out of the oven when roasting. After finishing under the broiler, the salmon should have reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit / 63 degrees C.
• Rest before serving: Allow the roasted salmon to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps in redistributing the juices and ensures a moist and flavorful result.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs

When it comes to choosing side dishes to accompany this delightful Roasted Salmon and Feta, my personal favorite combination is to serve it with tender roasted asparagus and fluffy rice. The roasted asparagus brings a delightful crunch and vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the succulent salmon. Other great pairings for this roasted salmon recipe include roasted green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts along with quinoa, bulgur, or roasted potatoes

If you prefer something lighter, this flavorful salmon recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads or crisp summer vegetables like sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.

The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative and tailor the sides to your personal preferences. Some of my favorite side dish recipes that would pair well with this delicious salmon entree are:

• Crunchy Greek Salad with Avocado and Feta
• Roasted Radishes with Garlic Chive Yogurt
• Mediterranean Roasted Rainbow Vegetables
• Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan
• Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
• Couscous Summer Salad
• Creamy Dijon Dill Potato Salad
• Roasted Greek Potatoes with Whipped Feta
• Kale Salad with Roasted Beets and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

What tools do you need to make Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs?

• A cutting board
• A chef's knife
• A kitchen scale (or measuring cups for less precise measurements)
• Measuring spoons
• A baker's half-sheet pan lined with parchment paper
• A medium bowl
• A silicone spatula
• A citrus zester
• A meat thermometer

Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry? Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

Looking for more Delicious Seafood Recipes?

Love this Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs recipe? Here are some more delicious seafood recipes that are perfect for easy entertaining!

• Salmon with Adobo Sauce and Blackberry Cucumber Avocado Salsa
• Salmon with Whisky Cream Sauce and Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower
• Salmon Tacos with Spicy Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema
• Sole Meunière
• Crispy Oven-Fried Fish
• White Clam Pizza
• Tuna Niçoise Salad
• Crab Club Sandwich
• Shrimp in Romesco Sauce with White Beans
• Cioppino (Fisherman's Stew)
• Clam Chowder with Jalapeno and Corn

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