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Keeping things super quick and very delicious with this Creamed Feta Garlic Herb Butter Salmon. This one skillet salmon is for those nights when you’re craving something fancy, but need to keep things quick and easy too. It’s all made in one skillet with heart healthy salmon, shallots, garlic, lots of herbs, creamy feta cheese, and summer zucchini. Not only is this salmon easy and delicious, but it comes together in less than 30 minutes.
I am very picky about seafood recipes. I’m sure you’ve all noticed, but I don’t share that many new recipes for fish. But it’s not because I don’t love seafood, I do! Here’s thing, I have my tried and true favorites. I’ve found that there are a lot of seafood recipes out there that just have too much going on. Too many complicated steps and simply not enough flavor.
Therefore, I haven’t forced myself to share any just OK fish recipes. Instead I wait until I have a really great dish that I not only love, but that I feel like you guys will love too.
I love a good fish taco, salmon in a skillet or on the grill, and quick shrimp dinners. And today? I’ve got a recipe highlighting salmon, summer zucchini, and herbs.
The funny thing about this recipe is that it started out completely different. But in the end, it wound up being so much more delicious. I love when that happens!
Seared salmon with garlic butter zucchini in a creamy feta sauce? It’s basically salmon in a Florentine style sauce, but instead of spinach and parmesan, we’re using zucchini and feta cheese. And it’s just as delicious as it sounds. What’s even better is that it takes just thirty minutes from start to finish to prepare.
Here are the steps
Start with the salmon. I love to use skin-on salmon filets for best flavor. But use what you feel most comfortable cooking or enjoy the most. I will say that the skin is where a lot of the healthy oils are, so there are also additional health benefits.
You’ll pan sear the salmon in a big skillet until it’s cooked to your liking. For me, that’s a very cripsy skin, with a nice browned top, but a slightly pink middle.
Once the salmon is cooked, pull it out of the skillet.
Now toss in some butter and zucchini. You can use zucchini or summer squash, either is really great!
Then add in shallots, garlic, thyme and chili flakes. Pour in a little cream (or coconut milk, whichever you prefer), then crumble in the feta cheese. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and mostly smooth. It might not melt all the way, but the big chunks should become creamy…and delicious.
Now slide the salmon back into the sauce, squeeze over a touch of lemon, and you’re done.
Finish things up
You see? I told you, this is very simple.
To serve, I love to top with lots of fresh basil and thyme, a sprinkle of chives, and some flaky sea salt. It’s rich and creamy, but feels light and summery at the same time.
The sauce is a touch buttery, a little garlicky, and very creamy thanks to the feta, which I feel is the real secret to this dish. It’s the perfect pairing to a pan seared, crispy filet of salmon.
I’d recommend serving this with crusty bread for dipping and maybe a potato salad. Or simply just some pasta and a big summer salad. This makes for a great weeknight meal, but can easily be used as a main course for your next summer dinner party.
Looking for other quick summer dinners? Here are some favorites:
Browned Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Cheese Ravioli
Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Chickpea Salad
Grilled Vegetable Burrata Sandwich with Lemon Thyme Honey Mustard
Lastly, if you make this Creamed Feta Garlic Herb Butter Salmon, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Creamed Feta Garlic Herb Butter Salmon
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 723 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets, skin on or off (your preference)
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- juice from 1 lemon
- fresh basil and thyme, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon, skin side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the salmon is crisp. Flip and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking. Remove from the skillet. If desired, peel away the skin and discard. 3. To the same skillet, add the butter, zucchini, and shallots and cook until the shallot is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes, cook another 1-2 minutes. Stir in the cream and feta. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. Remove from the heat and slide the salmon back into the sauce. 4. To serve, plate each piece of salmon, then spoon the sauce and zucchini over top. Serve topped with fresh basil.
This post was originally published on July 19, 2021
The sauce on this salmon is AMAZING!! I didn’t personally care for the zucchini, but it in no way detracts from the flavors, so full 5 star rating from my house! I did use full fat coconut milk.
Hey there,
Awesome! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Have the best week! xTieghan
What would recommend to thicken the sauce? For whatever reason it turned out pretty liquid-y. Could it be because I used coconut milk?
Hey Emily,
This isn’t really a thick sauce, but you could let it simmer longer if you want it to thicken more. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This is such a delicious dish. We had guests over, and everyone loved it! The feta is a great addition. Thank you for making me look like a chef!
Hey Karla,
Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Tried this recipe out a couple nights ago. I didn’t realize my zucchini went bad so I had to improvise. I made some chickpea crotons. It paired great! Let me tell you about this sauce though *snaps fingers side to side* YUM!! I loved it with the fish. Especially salmon. The dish was so balanced. I will be trying this sauce on a chicken dish too. I loved all the extra sauce but next time I may make an angel hair pasta to side with the salmon for another use of it. ❤️
Hey there,
Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This looks amazing! I am going to prepare this for my sisters birthday this weekend! Just wondering if I could use a white fish either Lingcod or Halibut?
Hey Diane,
Sure, any mild white fish would also be fantastic here! I hope you love the recipe, Happy Birthday to your sister! xTieghan
Absolutely A+++ make it, don’t hesitate or wait, you will not be sorry!!
Hey Carol,
Happy Friday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
This dish was very good!! It was my first time cooking fish in a cream-based sauce, and I will definitely be making this again. I added extra veggies (broccoli and asparagus) and dill. I am just realizing I forgot the feta :’( but I am excited to try it again with the feta!
Hey Cassidy,
Happy Friday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
This was fabulous! I used heavy cream and added a handful of grape tomatoes sliced in half. I had no shallots, so used the white part of a green onion.
I don’t see in the recipe a carb count, but I think this should be keto- friendly!
Hey there,
Happy Friday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
Hi Tieghan!
We made this last night and it was a huge hit for everyone in the family.
I had to make substitutions only because I noticed last minute I did not have any more garlic + I don’t like thyme, but your recipe is easy to play with in terms of flavours, I think.
The few changes I made were:
-Used fresh garlic scape instead of garlic
– Added fresh chives for flavour since I was not using the thyme
-Addded the zest of the lemon as well juice
We served it with yummy tomatoes from farmer’s market and fresh bread. We had to cut more bread to finish all the sauce because it was just too good. We drank rosé with it and it was a lovely dinner.
We will make it again for sure! Adding to repertoire !
Thanks !
Hey Virginia,
Happy Friday! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Thanks for sharing what worked well for you. Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
Made this last night…ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! The flavors were amazing. My husband loved it. Quick snd easy to make! Thank you Tiegen for another fabulous recipe! Another keeper in my book!
Hey Carol,
Fantastic! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! xTieghan
This one is a house favorite after tonight! super easy to make and DELISH. I made zero substitutions but did 3/4 cup of cream instead of a full cup… we just wish we had leftovers
Hey Kelly,
Fantastic! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! xTieghan
Another amazing recipe that checks all the boxes for me. One pan. Quick. Salmon. Fresh vegetables. Yum! See my finished picture @schulthesd
Hey Diane,
Fantastic! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! xTieghan
This dinner is fantastic! The feta cream sauce is actually MORE delicious than it sounds! The only thing I changed was only adding the juice from half a lemon because ours was huge! Will 100% be making this again!
Hey Brooke,
Fantastic! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! xTieghan
Made this dish tonight and it’s delicious! Super simple and 1 pan – which I love.
Hey Lisa,
Happy Wednesday!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for making it! xxTieghan
This was so delicious! I didn’t make fresh fries but had my husband pick up some from Five Guys haha they were really good dipped in the sauce. Will definitely make this again.
Hey Kristin,
Happy Wednesday!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for making it! xxTieghan