Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Lemonherb Couscous
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of the Med? Are you looking for healthy salmon dishes ? This recipe is a sunshine-on-a-plate kinda meal. It is bursting with flavor and good for you.
Brief Overview
This Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners is inspired by the coasts of Greece and Italy. It is an easy meal to whip up. This dish takes about 45 minutes and serves four people.
Main Benefits
This healthy Mediterranean salmon is packed with Omega-3s. It is perfect for a weeknight supper. What makes it so special? It is simple to make and tastes incredible.
Time to gather our ingredients!
A Taste of the Mediterranean with Salmon
Ever wondered how to make healthy and yummy collide? This recipe is your answer! It's one of those easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes I reach for time and time again.
It is a fish dinner recipe that tastes amazing
Why This Recipe Rocks
I was challenged at work to find Salmon Recipes that were both healthy and tasty. This is the recipe I found for Baked salmon recipes healthy.
Honestly, this one ticks all the boxes. It is quick, simple, and full of flavor. Think sunshine, fresh herbs, and flaky Salmon Dishes .
Get Your Mediterranean On
We're talking about Salmon with Mediterranean vegetables and a zesty couscous. This quick and easy salmon recipes is a taste of holiday without even leaving your kitchen.
All About That Couscous
This Salmon and couscous recipe is a fantastic pairing. The lemon and herbs really bring out the flavour of the salmon.
It’s like a party in your mouth and your body will thank you!
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna make these healthy salmon dishes ? Ace! Let's get the lowdown on what you'll need. No fancy pants ingredients here.
Just simple, fresh bits and bobs. Honestly, it's easier than brewing a cuppa.
Main Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-ounce/170g) fillets. Fresh is best. Look for vibrant colour and firm flesh. If it smells too "fishy," avoid.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (475ml), halved. The sweeter, the better.
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup (70g), pitted and halved. Adds that salty, Mediterranean punch.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't be shy with it!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Extra virgin is your pal here.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Freshly squeezed is essential, trust me.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Couscous: 1 1/2 cups (285g). The small, quick cooking kind.
- Veggie Broth: 1 1/2 cups (355ml). Or water works if you're in a pinch.
- Lemon: 1 , zest and juice.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g), chopped.
- Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup (15g), chopped.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Get grinding!
Seasoning Notes
This combo is pure sunshine! Oregano and basil are key for that Mediterranean vibe . A squeeze of lemon just brightens everything up.
If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a sneaky kick. For easy Mediterranean diet recipes , remember fresh herbs are your secret weapon.
You can substitute dried herbs if you have to. For easy Mediterranean diet recipes use 1 teaspoon of each.
Equipment Needed
Right, kit time. Keep it simple, yeah? You only need a few bits.
- Baking Dish: 9x13 inch (23x33cm).
- Small Saucepan: For the couscous.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. No guessing games here, we're baking after all.
- Lemon Zester and Juicer.
Alternatives? If you don't have a fancy zester, a grater will do. Foil also works as a baking dish. The quick and easy salmon recipes are simple.
Alright, let’s get this salmon sorted! Think Nigella Lawson meets Joe Wicks. We are making healthy salmon dishes tonight! Our Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Couscous will transport you to the sunny Med.
Flaky salmon, juicy tomatoes, and herby couscous yum! It’s quick, easy, and good for you.
Cooking Method: Baked to Perfection
Baking salmon is the bee's knees. I once tried pan-frying salmon and it ended up looking like a Jackson Pollock painting.
Baking? Always reliable. This method makes it a super easy fish dinner recipe
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!
First, the essential mise en place. Get your tomatoes halved. Pit those olives. Mince the garlic. Zest that lemon. Honestly, doing this beforehand makes life so much easier.
Time saving tip? Chop your herbs while the oven preheats. Safety wise, watch those fingers when mincing garlic. We want delicious salmon, not a trip to A&E.
Make sure you've got your 4 (6-ounce/170g) salmon fillets at the ready.
step-by-step Process: From Prep to Plate
- Preheat that Oven : 400° F ( 200° C/Gas Mark 6) is the magic number.
- Veggie Base : Arrange halved cherry tomatoes (1 pint/475ml) and halved Kalamata olives (1/2 cup/70g) in the baking dish.
- Salmon Time : Pop those salmon fillets on top.
- Flavor Bomb : Drizzle with olive oil (2 tablespoons/30ml), lemon juice (1 tablespoon/15ml). Sprinkle with minced garlic (2 cloves), oregano (1 teaspoon), basil (1/2 teaspoon), salt, and pepper.
- Bake Baby Bake : Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Internal temp should be 145° F ( 63° C) . Honestly, I always check with a fork to make sure it flakes easily.
- Couscous Prep : Bring vegetable broth (1 1/2 cups/355ml) to a boil.
- Couscous Magic : Stir in couscous (1 1/2 cups/285g), remove from heat, cover, let stand for 5 minutes .
- Fluff and Flavor : Fluff with a fork. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley (1/4 cup/15g), mint (1/4 cup/15g), olive oil (2 tablespoons/30ml), salt, and pepper.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Salmon Game
Don't overcook the salmon, seriously! Dry salmon is a crime against humanity.
Fresh herbs are a game changer for the couscous. I always splurge on the good stuff. This Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners so quick.
Wanna get ahead? Prep the couscous a few hours beforehand. Just give it a good fluff before serving. A Salmon and couscous recipe you should try.
You can try this Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes this weekend!
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's dive a bit deeper into this Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Couscous . Honestly, this isn't just a meal. It is a transportive experience. So get ready.
Serving Suggestions: Making it Instagram Worthy and Tasty
Presentation is key. Plating it up nicely can make the dish even more appealing. Think about layering the fluffy couscous on the plate.
Then topping it with that beautiful flaky salmon . I sometimes add a sprig of fresh dill or parsley. It gives it that extra oomph .
As for sides, a simple Greek salad does the trick. A dollop of tzatziki sauce can also really make it sing.
For drinks, a crisp white wine is the way to go.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop the salmon and couscous into separate airtight containers. They'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Wanna freeze it? The couscous freezes pretty well. But the salmon can get a bit dry. If you do freeze it, wrap it well and use it within a month.
Reheating is easy. Just microwave it until it's heated through. Or you can gently warm it in a pan.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a change? You can easily adapt this recipe. Want it gluten-free? Use quinoa instead of couscous . Need a vegetarian option? Skip the salmon and roast extra Mediterranean veggies.
Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion work wonders. A spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Swap those fresh herbs for whatever's in season.
Basil in summer and rosemary in winter work a treat. These are great easy Mediterranean diet recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This dish is packed with goodness. The salmon is loaded with Omega-3s , which are great for your heart and brain.
The Mediterranean vegetables provide vitamins and fiber. This recipe makes for fantastically healthy salmon dishes because it keeps things clean and simple.
So there you have it! Some extra bits to make your salmon supper even better. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Cooking should be fun, not a chore. Now go and create some magic in the kitchen! These tips will help you prepare incredible fish dinner recipes and even create your own quick and easy salmon recipes .
Enjoy your healthy Mediterranean salmon meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Mediterranean Baked Salmon a good option for healthy salmon dishes?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean Baked Salmon is packed with lean protein from the salmon, healthy fats (Omega-3s!), and lots of vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal even Joe Wicks would approve!
How can I tell if my salmon is cooked properly? I don’t want to end up with it dry like cardboard!
The key is not to overcook it! Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remember, it will continue to cook a little bit after you take it out of the oven, so err on the side of slightly undercooked rather than over.
Can I make the lemon herb couscous ahead of time? I'm trying to be as efficient as possible, like Jamie Oliver!
You sure can! The couscous can be made a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, fluff it up with a fork and add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen it up. It tastes just as good!
I'm not a big fan of olives. Can I leave them out of the Mediterranean baked salmon dish without ruining the flavour?
Definitely! The olives add a salty, briny flavour, but if they're not your cup of tea, feel free to omit them. You could substitute them with some chopped capers for a similar salty kick, or just leave them out entirely. The dish will still be delicious.
How long does leftover Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Couscous last in the fridge? And any tips for reheating it without drying it out?
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, the key is to keep the salmon moist. You can gently reheat it in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) with a splash of water or broth in the baking dish, or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel.
Mediterranean Baked Salmon With Lemonherb Cousco
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |