Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta Sauce

Let me tell you, weeknight dinners in our house can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. Balancing healthy eating with speed and, let’s be honest, kid-friendliness, is no easy feat. That’s why discovering this Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta Sauce recipe felt like striking gold. From the moment the aroma of roasted salmon and herbs filled the kitchen, I knew we were onto something special. The vibrant colors of the dish alone were enough to pique everyone’s interest, and the taste? Absolutely incredible. Even my pickiest eater, who typically eyes fish with suspicion, devoured it! The creamy, tangy feta sauce is the secret weapon here, transforming simple baked salmon into a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in minutes. It’s become a staple in our rotation, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Prepare to say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to flavor-packed, healthy eating!

Ingredients

This recipe utilizes fresh, flavorful ingredients to create a harmonious and delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon Fillets: (1.5-2 pounds, skin on or off) – The star of the dish, salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and provides a beautiful, flaky texture when baked. Look for fillets that are roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
• Cherry Tomatoes: (1 pint, halved) – These burst with sweetness and acidity as they roast, adding a juicy counterpoint to the richness of the salmon and feta.
• Red Onion: (1 medium, thinly sliced) – Red onion offers a mild pungency that mellows beautifully when roasted, adding depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• Asparagus: (1 pound, trimmed) – Asparagus is a fantastic, healthy vegetable that roasts quickly and complements salmon perfectly. It adds a slightly grassy, fresh flavor.
• Olive Oil: (¼ cup, plus extra for drizzling) – Olive oil is essential for roasting, promoting browning and flavor development. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – Oregano provides a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic Mediterranean flavor that enhances both the salmon and feta sauce.
• Dried Thyme: (1 teaspoon) – Thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty, and lemony note, complementing the oregano and adding complexity to the dish.
• Salt: (To taste) – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Sea salt or kosher salt are recommended for their clean taste.
• Black Pepper: (To taste) – Adds a touch of spice and depth to the overall flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.

For the Feta Sauce:

• Feta Cheese: (4 ounces, crumbled) – Feta cheese is the heart of the sauce, providing a salty, tangy, and creamy base. Use a good quality feta packed in brine for the best flavor and texture.
• Greek Yogurt: (½ cup, plain, full-fat or low-fat) – Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang to the sauce while keeping it lighter than using all cream cheese or mayonnaise. Full-fat yogurt will result in a richer sauce.
• Lemon Juice: (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed) – Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce with acidity and citrusy notes, cutting through the richness of the feta and yogurt.
• Fresh Dill: (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Dill brings a fresh, slightly anise-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with feta and salmon, adding a vibrant herbaceousness.
• Garlic: (1 clove, minced) – Garlic provides a savory and aromatic base note to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• Olive Oil: (1 tablespoon) – Adds richness and helps to emulsify the sauce ingredients.
• Black Pepper: (Pinch, to taste) – Enhances the flavor of the sauce and adds a subtle spice.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta Sauce:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper also prevents the salmon from sticking to the pan and helps with even cooking.
2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and trimmed asparagus with ¼ cup of olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings for optimal roasting and flavor.
3. Arrange Vegetables and Salmon on Sheet Pan: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place the salmon fillets on the sheet pan alongside the vegetables, leaving some space between them for even cooking. Drizzle the salmon fillets lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast Salmon and Vegetables: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Check for doneness by gently flaking the thickest part of the salmon with a fork; it should be opaque and no longer translucent.
5. Prepare Feta Sauce While Salmon Roasts: While the salmon and vegetables are roasting, prepare the feta sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of black pepper if needed. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl, ensuring the feta is well crumbled.
6. Serve: Once the salmon and vegetables are cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Serve the sheet pan salmon and roasted vegetables immediately, spooning a generous amount of the creamy feta sauce over the salmon and vegetables. Garnish with extra fresh dill, if desired, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

This is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on a recipe serving 4 people. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal per serving
• Protein: 40-45g

Preparation Time

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights and comes together quickly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping vegetables, preparing sauce)
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (roasting in the oven)
• Total Time: Approximately 27-30 minutes

This makes it a fantastic option for a healthy and flavorful meal even when you are short on time.

How to Serve

Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta Sauce is versatile and can be served in numerous delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Over Grains: Serve the salmon and vegetables over a bed of fluffy quinoa, couscous, or brown rice to soak up the delicious feta sauce and create a more substantial meal.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread, such as baguette or sourdough, for dipping into the creamy feta sauce and enjoying with the roasted vegetables and salmon.
• Alongside a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad, a Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad, or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add lightness and freshness to the meal.
• With Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: For a heartier meal, roast potatoes or sweet potatoes on a separate sheet pan or alongside the salmon and vegetables (adjusting cooking time accordingly).
• In Pita Pockets or Wraps: Flake the cooked salmon and combine it with the roasted vegetables and feta sauce to create delicious and healthy pita pockets or wraps.
• As a Bowl Meal: Create a vibrant bowl by layering quinoa or rice, roasted vegetables, flaked salmon, feta sauce, and additional toppings like Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

Additional Tips

Elevate your Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta Sauce with these helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure vegetables and salmon are spread in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in less browning and less flavorful results. Use two sheet pans if necessary.
2. Use Fresh, High-Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color and have a fresh, clean scent.
3. Adjust Vegetables to Your Preference: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans would also roast beautifully on the sheet pan.
4. Marinate the Salmon (Optional): For extra flavor, you can marinate the salmon for 15-30 minutes before roasting. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs would work wonderfully.
5. Customize the Feta Sauce: Adjust the consistency of the feta sauce by adding more or less Greek yogurt. For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mayonnaise. Experiment with different herbs like parsley or mint in the sauce.
6. Add a Touch of Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables before roasting or to the feta sauce.
7. Broil for Extra Color (Optional): For extra browning and crispiness on the salmon and vegetables, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Make Ahead Components: You can prepare the feta sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will further reduce the prep time on the day of cooking.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta Sauce:

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning and roasting to remove excess moisture and ensure proper browning.

Q2: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt? Can I substitute something else in the feta sauce?

A: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream, crème fraîche, or even mayonnaise. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. For a lighter option, you can also use plain yogurt, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While the salmon is best served fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the feta sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time. Reheat leftover salmon and vegetables gently in the oven or microwave, but be aware that the salmon may become slightly drier upon reheating.

Q4: I don’t like feta cheese. Is there another cheese I can use for the sauce?

A: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can try using goat cheese or ricotta cheese as alternatives. Goat cheese will provide a tangy and creamy sauce, while ricotta will offer a milder, sweeter flavor. You may need to adjust the seasoning to your preference depending on the cheese you choose.

Q5: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

A: Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking salmon, as it can become dry.

Q6: Can I grill the salmon and vegetables instead of roasting?

A: Yes, you can definitely grill the salmon and vegetables. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the vegetables in a grill basket or on a grill pan and grill until tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Grill the salmon directly on the grill grates for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Prepare the feta sauce separately and serve as directed.

Q7: Can I add other herbs to the vegetables or salmon?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs. Rosemary, dill, parsley, or basil would all be delicious additions to the vegetables or salmon. Fresh herbs are always a great way to enhance flavor.

Q8: What are some good side dishes to serve with this meal besides the ones listed?

A: Besides the suggestions listed, this Sheet Pan Salmon with Feta Sauce pairs well with roasted garlic bread, a simple pasta salad, or a side of steamed green beans or peas. Consider adding a bright and refreshing side to balance the richness of the salmon and feta sauce.

Print