Baked Middle Eastern Salmon with Za’atar Spice
Whether you’re looking for an elegant meal for a special occasion or seeking a simple and delicious weeknight dinner, my Baked Middle Eastern Salmon with Za’atar Spice promises to satisfy your all your needs! This easy salmon dish is inspired by the flavors of the Middle East and comes together effortlessly.
The salmon filet is prepared on a baking sheet with an aromatic homemade spice blend that uses my Za’atar Spice Blend, slices of tangy red onions, lemon juice and juicy baby heirloom tomatoes.
Original Post: January 2024 | Post Updated: September 2025
Salmon is one of my favorite fish and I love playing with various ways to prepare it. For me, making a homemade spice blend makes this dish a little more personal. My Middle Eastern Salmon has became a family favorite and I hope you will enjoy this recipe too!
Why this salmon recipe works
- Baked Salmon with a middle eastern twist absolutely bursts with flavor.
- Salmon is great for our heart health.
- Just like my Simple Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill, Sheet Pan Honey Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli and Pan Fried Chilean Seabass with Honey and Lemon, sheet pan dinners are a game changer and make life simple.
- Middle Eastern Salmon pairs well with so many different side dishes like my Rosemary Sweet Potato Mash, Whole30 Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Turmeric Rice or my Rosemary Carrots.
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Ingredients you’ll need
- Atlantic salmon. Any salmon cut works. I choose Atlantic for it’s thickness and price point.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
- Lemon juice. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top of the salmon and then place the lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Red onion. Red onion adds a nice tang and compliments the spices well.
- Baby heirloom tomatoes. I’m obsessed with heirlooms but cherry tomatoes can be used.
- Homemade Za’atar. My blend uses: dried oregano, ground thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, Aleppo pepper and kosher salt. Store bought Za’atar can be used as well. Za’atar can be made a few different ways. Some people like to use cumin and coriander or dried orange peel. The key ingredients for this spice mix are oregano, sumac and sesame seeds. Za’atar can be enjoyed on all kinds of middle eastern foods such as hummus or other dips, potatoes, and meats.
How to make Middle Eastern Salmon
This delicious salmon recipe is done in under 20 minutes! Here’s what you need to do to get started:
Step One: Start with preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet. In a small bowl, add the spices and mix together. Set them aside.
Step Two: Lay the salmon fillet down and drizzle with the olive oil. Rub the spice blend on the salmon. Scatter the red onion slices over the top of the salmon.
Step Three: Squeeze the lemon juice over the salmon and place the lemon slices on top. Place the baby heirlooms around the salmon. Drizzle a little olive oil on the tomatoes and add a good pinch of salt.
Step Four: Bake for 15 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer reads 145°F at its thickest part. Salmon should be flaky when pressed with a fork. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Storing leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for up to 1-2 minutes.
Helpful tips for Middle Eastern Salmon
- Avoid overcooking salmon as that will dry it out.
- Salmon Middle Eastern style can be baked or grilled. If grilling, put the salmon in a foil packet. Grill for about 10-15 minutes. The grilling time will depend on the thickness of the fish.
- If making your own spice blend, use fresh spices so you will have the most intense flavors. Old spices lose their potency and won’t have much flavor.
- Fresh herbs are always a nice touch.
- You can keep the salmon fillet whole or cut into individual fillets. Adjust your cooking time if needed.
- I like to use salmon from Trader Joe’s that is skinless. If you are using salmon with the skin on, be sure to cook it skin side down.
Serving suggestions for Za’atar Salmon
Serve this Middle Eastern Salmon with rice, couscous, quinoa, salad such my Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Salad, or Roasted Za’atar Potatoes, my Cumin Sweet Potatoes or top of my Creamy Root Vegetable Mash.
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Baked Middle Eastern Salmon with Za’atar Spice
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet atlantic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus a little more
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby heirloom tomatoes
- 1/2 lemon slices
Homemade Za'atar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon aleppo pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet. In a small bowl, add the spices and mix together. Set them aside.
- Lay the salmon fillet down and drizzle with the olive oil. Rub the spice blend on the salmon. Scatter the red onion slices over the top of the salmon.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the salmon and place the lemon slices on top. Place the baby heirlooms around the salmon. Drizzle a little olive oil on the tomatoes and add a good pinch of salt.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer reads 145°F at its thickest part. Salmon should be flaky when pressed with a fork. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking salmon as that will dry it out.
- Salmon Middle Eastern style can be baked or grilled. If grilling, put the salmon in a foil packet. Grill for about 10-15 minutes. This will depend on the thickness of the fish.
- If making your own spice blend, use fresh spices so you will have the most intense flavors. Old spices lose their potency and won’t have much flavor.
- Fresh herbs are always a nice touch.
- You can keep the salmon fillet whole or cut into individual fillets. Adjust your cooking time if needed.
- I like to use salmon from Trader Joe’s that is skinless. If you are using salmon with the skin on, be sure to cook it skin side down
Nutrition
Making this recipe? I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @whensaltyandsweetunite or use hashtag #whensaltyandsweetunite .
Ooh, this looks amazing! I’m obsessed with Middle Eastern flavors and can’t wait to try this salmon dish with homemade za’atar. The combination of salty and sweet is pure genius. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it!