Description
This Baked Salmon with Cucumber Mint Salsa is a light, flavorful dish perfect for a quick, healthy meal. The salmon is seasoned simply and baked to tender perfection, paired with a refreshing cucumber mint salsa that adds a zesty and cool contrast. Ideal for a nutritious dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon
- 2 pieces salmon (or 1 larger piece totaling about 1 pound)
- Olive oil (for coating)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
For the Cucumber Mint Salsa
- 3 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- Small handful fresh mint, chopped finely
- 1/4 teaspoon za’atar (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up.
- Season and Bake the Salmon: Lightly coat the salmon pieces with olive oil and evenly sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake the salmon for approximately 8–15 minutes depending on thickness—about 5 minutes per half inch—until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Make the Cucumber Mint Salsa: While the salmon bakes, combine the chopped Persian cucumbers, finely chopped fresh mint, za’atar, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep it fresh and cool.
- Serve: Once the salmon is done, plate it alongside a generous serving of the cucumber mint salsa. This dish is also delicious served chilled after the salmon has been cooked and refrigerated for a few hours.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon piece for perfect doneness.
- Za’atar in the salsa adds a unique earthy, lemony flavor but can be omitted or substituted if unavailable.
- This recipe is great for meal prep; store the salmon and salsa separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Use fresh ingredients like Persian cucumbers and mint for the best flavor and crunch in the salsa.
