Imagine diving into a mouthwatering salmon dish that transports you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast, without spending hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Salmon is about to become your new secret weapon for effortless, restaurant-quality meals that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that gourmet cooking can be both simple and absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and add the dried oregano. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Pour the vegetable mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring that the tomatoes, olives, and onions are evenly distributed over the top of the fish.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld and the salmon to become tender and flaky.
- After 3 hours of cooking, check the salmon for doneness. It should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. If it needs more time, you can continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes on low.
- Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove the fillets from the slow cooker using a spatula, as they will be delicate. Serve the salmon with the tomato and olive mixture spooned over the top.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Salmon!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets with a bright, vibrant color and minimal fishy smell.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, even in a slow cooker. Check it at the 3-hour mark and avoid cooking longer than necessary to prevent drying out.
- Customize Your Seasonings: While the recipe calls for dried oregano, feel free to experiment with other Mediterranean herbs like thyme, basil, or a sprinkle of za'atar for extra authenticity.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly greasing the slow cooker or using a liner can help prevent the delicate salmon from sticking to the bottom.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salmon right after cooking. The fish should be tender and easily flake with a fork.
- Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with couscous, quinoa, or a light Greek salad to create a full Mediterranean-inspired dinner experience.
- Leftovers Tip: If you have any remaining salmon, it makes an excellent addition to salads or can be gently reheated the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
