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The Best Za’atar Crusted Salmon Recipe You’ll Ever Try

A family-style serving platter of homemade za’atar crusted salmon surrounded by lemon herb quinoa, roasted vegetables, and cucumber yogurt salad.

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This Za’atar Crusted Salmon is a simple yet gourmet dish that brings together the richness of salmon with the earthy, tangy flavors of za’atar. The herbaceous za’atar blend creates a deliciously crispy crust, while the salmon remains tender, juicy, and packed with omega-3s.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 3 tablespoons za’atar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

  1. Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season each fillet lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Create the Za’atar Crust

  1. In a small bowl, mix za’atar, olive oil, and lemon zest to form a paste.
  2. Spread the za’atar mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

  1. Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  3. For a crispier crust, broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
  2. Serve with lemon wedges and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.
  3. Enjoy with your favorite Mediterranean side dishes (see suggestions below).

Nutrition