Zesty Mediterranean Salmon Parchment Paper Recipe for Dinner

Seafood lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering Mediterranean salmon parchment paper recipe delivers a burst of coastal flavors right to your plate.

Delicate salmon fillets nestle perfectly within parchment paper, creating a sealed pocket of aromatic herbs and zesty seasonings.

Each fold locks in moisture and infuses the fish with vibrant Mediterranean spices and fresh ingredients.

The technique ensures a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this dish a weeknight winner for busy home cooks.

Bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and succulent salmon combine to transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.

Let’s find out this simple yet elegant recipe that promises a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Behind Mediterranean Salmon in Paper

• Salmon Fillet: Rich, omega-3 packed fish that delivers a buttery texture and mild flavor, best when fresh and sustainably sourced.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives: Mediterranean treasures that add tangy, briny depth with concentrated sweetness and robust character.
• Capers: Tiny flavor bombs that bring sharp, salty punch and distinctive Mediterranean zest.
• Pesto Sauce: Herbaceous green sauce that infuses the dish with fresh basil and nutty undertones.

• Sea Salt: Mineral-rich crystal that elevates and balances overall dish flavor.
• Paprika: Warm, slightly sweet spice that adds beautiful color and mild smoky essence.
• Ground Ginger: Subtle warmth and aromatic spice that complements seafood beautifully.
• Fresh Dill, Dried Dill: Delicate, feathery herb offering bright, grassy notes with gentle anise-like whisper, perfect for seafood pairings.

Tools for Perfect Salmon Parchment Packets

• Baking Tray: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy transfer.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for creating the signature cooking packet and preventing sticking.
• Kitchen Twine: Optional but helpful for securing the parchment paper packet tightly.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing salmon and chopping fresh dill.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for seasoning the salmon with salt and spices.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot trays and opening the baked packet.

How to Cook Mediterranean Salmon in Paper

• Flavor Preparation Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect cozy cooking environment.
• Salmon Canvas Choose a gorgeous salmon fillet and lay it gently on a soft parchment paper landscape, ready to be transformed with Mediterranean magic.
• Seasoning Symphony Sprinkle a dance of sea salt, smoky paprika, warm ginger, and delicate dill across the salmon's surface, awakening its natural flavors.
• Colorful Companions Scatter a vibrant mix of briny kalamata olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and playful capers over the fish. Drizzle a generous ribbon of emerald pesto sauce to bind the flavors together.
• Parchment Embrace Lovingly fold the paper around the salmon, creating a cozy packet that will steam and infuse the fish with all its delicious companions. Secure with kitchen twine if needed.
• Culinary Finale Slide the packet into the oven's warm embrace for 20-30 minutes, allowing the salmon to cook to tender perfection. When ready, carefully unveil your Mediterranean treasure and serve with your favorite accompaniments.

Seasoning and Veggie Pairing Tips for Salmon

• Pro Cooking Tips & Tasty Twists
• Choose wild-caught salmon with bright, firm flesh and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Make homemade pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil to elevate the recipe's Mediterranean essence.
• Experiment with alternative fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to complement the salmon's rich profile.
• Serve with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that beautifully match the dish's bright, zesty flavors.
• Replace salmon with firm white fish like halibut or swap in chicken breast for a protein-packed alternative that absorbs Mediterranean seasonings wonderfully.

Serving Salmon Packets Straight from the Oven

• Zesty Salad Companion: Toss together a crisp Mediterranean-style salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich salmon flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully balances the herb-infused salmon and cuts through its richness.
• Grain-Based Sidekick: Accompany the salmon with herbed quinoa or couscous, allowing the grains to soak up the delicious pesto and olive juices from the parchment packet.
• Rustic Bread Delight: Offer warm, crusty sourdough or Mediterranean-style flatbread on the side to mop up the flavorful sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender fish.

How to Pack and Save Salmon for Later

• Smart Meal Prep: Assemble the salmon packets up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. This technique saves time during busy weeknights and helps flavors meld beautifully.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap uncooked salmon packets tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store flat in the freezer for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Leftover Magic: Refrigerate cooked salmon in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Enjoy cold in salads, flake into pasta, or gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to maintain moisture.
• Quick Portion Control: Create individual salmon packets for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use small parchment sheets to customize each serving with personal favorite Mediterranean toppings.

Delectable Mediterranean Salmon Parchment Paper Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean salmon nestled in parchment paper brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with elegant simplicity. Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly to create a delightful meal you can savor with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (2 lbs/907 g) salmon fillet
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) pesto sauce
• ½ cup (118 ml) artichoke hearts
• ¼ cup (59 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• ¼ cup (59 ml) kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dried dill
• ¼ cup (59 ml) capers
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) sea salt
• 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
• 1 tsp (5 g) ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange a spacious parchment paper sheet on a standard baking tray, creating a foundation for the Mediterranean salmon.
2. Seasoning: Center the salmon fillet and lavishly coat with sea salt, paprika, ground ginger, and dried dill, infusing the fish with a robust flavor profile that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
3. Ingredient Distribution: Artfully scatter kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, and fresh dill across the salmon’s surface, ensuring a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will tantalize the palate.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle the fillet with vibrant pesto sauce, allowing the herbaceous condiment to weave through the ingredients and elevate the dish’s overall complexity.
5. Packet Creation: Meticulously fold the parchment paper around the salmon, forming a hermetic seal that will capture moisture and preserve the delicate flavors during cooking, then secure with kitchen twine to maintain the packet’s integrity.
6. Baking Process: Position the sealed packet on the middle oven rack and bake for 20-30 minutes, monitoring until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), guaranteeing perfectly cooked, succulent fish.
7. Serving: After a brief 2-3 minute resting period, carefully open the packet to release the aromatic steam, then gently slice and plate the salmon alongside complementary Mediterranean-inspired accompaniments.

Notes

• Seal for Success: Tightly wrap parchment paper to lock in moisture and intensify the salmon’s delicate Mediterranean flavors.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches exactly 145°F for perfect, flaky texture without overcooking.
• Ingredient Harmony: Distribute Mediterranean toppings evenly to guarantee each bite delivers a balanced combination of olives, tomatoes, and herbs.
• Resting Magic: Allow the salmon to rest 2-3 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute, creating a more tender and succulent final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg