This Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. The rich, flaky salmon is topped with a crispy, tangy feta and herb crust, creating a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and fresh herbs.
- Flavor-packed – The combination of feta, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious crust.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for both casual meals and special dinners.
- Customizable – Easily swap herbs or add extra flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Fresh dill (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon zest
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Feta-Herb Crust
- In a bowl, mix crumbled feta, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle in olive oil and mix until combined.
3. Prepare the Salmon
- Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the fillets with Dijon mustard (this helps the crust stick).
4. Add the Crust
- Press the feta and herb mixture onto the salmon fillets, covering the tops evenly.
5. Bake Until Perfect
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until the crust is golden and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the crust.
- Nutty crunch – Mix in chopped almonds or walnuts with the breadcrumbs.
- Mediterranean style – Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the topping.
- Dairy-free option – Swap feta for dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Grilled version – Cook on a preheated grill at medium heat for 10–12 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the feta crust may lose its texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before adding the crust.
What can I serve with this salmon?
Try roasted potatoes, couscous, grilled asparagus, or a Greek salad.
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) and the salmon should flake easily with a fork.
Can I use different herbs?
Yes! Basil, oregano, or thyme work well as substitutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the crust and store it separately, then bake fresh when ready to eat.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Use regular mustard or a little olive oil to help the crust stick.
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! Try this crust on cod, halibut, or trout.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
Use panko breadcrumbs and broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes.
How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the time and use a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
This Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon is an easy yet elegant dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. With its crispy topping, juicy salmon, and bright lemon finish, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it for your next dinner and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal in no time!
PrintFeta and Herb Crusted Salmon
This Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon is a quick and delicious way to elevate your salmon dinner! Topped with a savory mix of feta, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish is packed with flavor and bakes to perfection in just 20 minutes. Serve with roasted veggies or a light salad for a healthy, restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Feta Herb Crust
- In a bowl, mix feta, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, oregano, and panko (if using) until combined.
Step 3: Top & Bake
- Spoon the feta mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. (For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2 minutes.)
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Pair it with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a Greek salad.
- For extra crunch, add more panko breadcrumbs to the topping.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping feta and using a blend of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for the crust.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.