Description
This Baked Salmon with Cucumber Mint Salsa is a fresh and flavorful dish combining perfectly roasted salmon with a refreshing cucumber salsa infused with mint and za’atar. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, it’s a light yet satisfying meal ideal for weeknights or casual dinners.
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, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon za’atar (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil to ensure easy clean-up after baking the salmon.
- Prepare and Bake the Salmon: Lightly coat the salmon pieces with olive oil, then gently sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the fish. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake until fully cooked. For thinner pieces, check after 8-10 minutes; as a general guideline, bake for about 5 minutes per half inch of thickness.
- Make the Cucumber Mint Salsa: While the salmon bakes, combine the chopped Persian cucumbers, finely chopped fresh mint, za’atar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Once the salmon is cooked through, plate it alongside the chilled cucumber mint salsa. For a different texture and flavor, try cooking the salmon, then chilling it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of za’atar according to your taste preference for a more or less intense flavor.
- Check the thickness of the salmon to avoid overcooking; thinner pieces cook faster.
- Refrigerating the cooked salmon before serving makes for a delicious cold dish, perfect for warmer days.
- Use fresh Persian cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor in the salsa.
