Description
Mediterranean charm shines through this salmon salsa verde, blending fresh ocean flavors with zesty herb notes. Crisp ingredients and bright textures invite you to savor a perfect coastal dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds center-cut salmon fillet (Atlantic or King salmon)
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
Salsa Verde Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped capers
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons zaatar spice blend
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Serving Suggestion:
- Cooked long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a gentle 250°F, creating an ideal low-temperature environment for delicate salmon cooking.
- Create a fragrant bed by layering fresh lemon slices across the bottom of a baking dish.
- Carefully position the salmon fillet atop the lemon slices, ensuring even placement.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the salmon surface, enhancing moisture and flavor.
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining salt, smoky paprika, earthy coriander, and cracked black pepper.
- Massage the spice mixture thoroughly into the salmon’s flesh, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the fish becomes delicately flaky and opaque.
- While salmon cooks, prepare vibrant salsa verde by combining fresh cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, briny capers, aromatic zaatar, and fiery chili flakes in a mixing bowl.
- Incorporate olive oil and salt into the herb mixture, stirring until ingredients are harmoniously blended.
- Just before serving, brighten the salsa verde with a splash of zesty lemon juice.
- Present the perfectly cooked salmon by spooning half the salsa verde directly over the fish, reserving the remaining sauce as a tantalizing accompaniment.
Notes
- Low-temperature baking ensures salmon remains moist and tender without overcooking, preventing dry texture.
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant, robust salsa verde flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Zaatar spice blend adds Middle Eastern complexity and nutty undertones to the herb-packed sauce.
- Adjust chili flakes quantity to control heat level, making the recipe adaptable for different spice tolerances.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg