Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Salmon

Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Salmon

Mia

This Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Salmon brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast directly to your dinner table. The dish features succulent salmon fillets topped with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs including parsley, dill, and oregano, combined with garlic, lemon zest, and heart-healthy olive oil. The herb crust creates a beautiful golden exterior while keeping the salmon moist and tender inside, delivering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that exemplify Mediterranean cuisine.

Salmon is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean Diet, prized for its omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. This recipe honors the Mediterranean tradition of simple preparation that allows quality ingredients to shine. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus not only enhances the natural richness of the salmon but also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits that make this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes yet feels elegant enough to serve to guests. The herb crust can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent option for busy home cooks who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or quinoa for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 22.00g
Carbs 8.00g
Protein 38.00g

Ingredients

4 piecessalmon fillets, 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbspfresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbspfresh oregano, finely chopped
3 clovesgarlic, minced
1 largelemon, zested and juiced
1/3 cuppanko breadcrumbs
1 tspsea salt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
4 pieceslemon wedges, for serving (optional)
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
measuring spoons
measuring cups
paper towels
chef's knife
medium mixing bowl
zester or microplane
pastry brush
instant-read thermometer

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 Diet perfectly with 100% nutrient-dense whole foods: omega-3 rich salmon, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and whole food ingredients. It represents the nutritious 80% portion that forms the foundation of this balanced eating approach.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This salmon dish is exceptionally anti-inflammatory, featuring omega-3 rich fatty fish, extra virgin olive oil, and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, and oregano. The combination of these ingredients helps reduce inflammation while avoiding processed foods and refined ingredients.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients: fresh salmon, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients.

DASH Diet

This heart-healthy salmon dish aligns perfectly with DASH Diet principles by featuring fish as a lean protein source, using herbs and lemon for flavor instead of excessive salt, and incorporating heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids. The minimal sodium content and emphasis on whole ingredients support cardiovascular health.

Diabetic Diet

This salmon recipe is excellent for diabetic diets, featuring protein-rich fish that doesn't spike blood sugar, minimal carbohydrates, and healthy omega-3 fats that support insulin sensitivity. The low-glycemic ingredients and absence of added sugars help maintain stable blood glucose levels.

Flexible Dieting

This nutrient-dense salmon recipe fits perfectly into a flexible dieting approach, providing high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and balanced macros from whole food sources. The recipe demonstrates how delicious, satisfying meals can easily fit into daily macro goals.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal. The main ingredients—salmon, olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon—are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is exceptionally heart-healthy, featuring omega-3 rich salmon that supports cardiovascular function, extra virgin olive oil with heart-protective monounsaturated fats, and fresh herbs instead of excessive sodium. The combination actively promotes heart health while avoiding saturated fats and processed ingredients.

High-Protein Diet

With each 6oz salmon fillet providing approximately 35-40g of high-quality complete protein, this recipe is ideal for high-protein diets. The lean preparation method and protein-rich fish make it perfect for meeting elevated protein targets while remaining delicious.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This salmon recipe provides excellent macro balance with high-quality protein from the fish, healthy fats from olive oil and salmon's natural oils, and minimal carbohydrates. The portion-controlled servings and whole food ingredients make it easy to track and fit into daily macro targets.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense salmon recipe is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and sustained energy from healthy fats. The combination of protein and healthy fats promotes satiety to help you feel satisfied throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe honors intuitive eating principles by featuring satisfying, nourishing ingredients that provide both pleasure and nutrition. The flavorful herb crust and tender salmon create a meal that's both delicious and naturally wholesome, without restrictive language or guilt.

Low-Carb Diet

With minimal carbohydrates from the small amount of panko breadcrumbs and naturally carb-free salmon, this recipe fits low-carb requirements while providing high-quality protein and healthy fats from the fish and olive oil. The herb crust adds flavor without adding significant carbs.

Macro Diet

Perfect for macro tracking, this recipe delivers approximately 35-40g of protein per 6oz salmon fillet, healthy fats from the fish and olive oil, and minimal carbohydrates. The clear portions and whole food ingredients make calculating macros straightforward and accurate.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean Diet dish, featuring omega-3 rich salmon as the primary protein, extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source, and an abundance of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, oregano) with garlic and lemon. It exemplifies the Mediterranean emphasis on fish, healthy fats, and fresh herbs while avoiding processed ingredients and red meat.

MIND Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with MIND Diet principles by featuring fatty fish rich in brain-healthy omega-3s, olive oil as the primary fat, and abundant fresh herbs. The combination supports cognitive health and neuroprotection while avoiding butter, red meat, and processed ingredients.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating with its emphasis on fresh, aromatic herbs, the visual appeal of the golden crust, and varied textures from crispy exterior to tender fish. The sensory experience encourages slow, conscious consumption and appreciation of natural flavors.

Weight Watchers

This recipe follows Weight Watchers principles by featuring lean protein-rich salmon, minimal added fats (just olive oil), and fresh herbs for flavor enhancement. The nutrient-dense ingredients and controlled portions support weight management while remaining satisfying and delicious.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2 min
2

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

1 min
3

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, dill, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.

2 min
4

Brush the top of each salmon fillet with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help the herb crust adhere.

1 min
5

Divide the herb mixture evenly among the four salmon fillets, pressing it gently onto the top of each piece to form a crust about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the crust covers the entire top surface.

2 min
6

Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the salmon fillets, being careful not to disturb the herb crust.

7

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The herb crust should be golden brown.

15 min
8

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish.

3 min
9

Transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions