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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.
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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
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.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
This was an amazing dish. It was delish!….What do you think about using this sauce for ravioli (keeping it simple, from Trader Joe’s) and maybe substituting the zucchini with asparagus?
Hey Russ,
Wonderful!! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was delish!! Totally, sounds like a great idea! xx
Delicious! Thank you for creating this scrumptious recipe!
Hey Bianca,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:)
This was delicious! So much so that I’m making it again for mom and daughter night dinner. Thank you for sharing.
Hey Katy,
Happy Friday!!⛄️❄️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
This was a winner for sure. My husband, my 1 year old, and I all loved it! I even got my picky 4 year old to eat a bit of the salmon too— which he never tries new things. Thanks for this great recipe.
Hey Breana,
Happy Monday!!☃️ Thanks a lot for making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it was a winner! xx
I stumbled upon this recipe in June 2022 and have been making it every few weeks since. My family does salmon & halibut filets and the zucchini feta sauce pairs well with both! It’s one of my favorite recipes!
Hey Echo,
Happy New Year!🎆🎈 I appreciate you making this recipe so often and your comment! So glad to hear it is always enjoyed! xx
This recipe is simply exquisite! Used the coconut cream and it felt decedent but not heavy! That you Tieghan for empowering me in the kitchen!
Hi Amy,
Awesome!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for trying it out! Have a great weekend! 👻
We LOVE this dish. The flavors were amazing. Another winner!!
Hi Cindy,
Fantastic! I truly appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am so glad it was tasty for you! xT
Ok this is my new favorite! I say that every time I try a new one of your recipes. Thanks so much!!
Hi Debbie,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe was tasty, thanks so much for making it and sharing your review:) xTieghan
Would this be good with another protein like chicken?
Hey Alix,
Totally, chicken would be great! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Wow! This recipe was full of flavor. I made it with angel hair pasta and it was superb. Quick and easy and tasted like it came from a 5 star restaurant! I will be making this again!
Hey Yolanda,
Happy Sunday! I am so glad to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for making it:) ?
This was FANTASTIC!
Hey Regina,
Amazing!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so excited it was enjoyed! Hope you’re having a great weekend! xx
This is heavenly! I chose the coconut milk option and loved the flavor combination of the coconut with the feta. I put in lemon juice from 1/2 lemon and liked the taste, so I didn’t add the rest. My sauce didn’t look as lovely as yours. It was much darker. I served the salmon with whole-wheat couscous. Will definitely make again!
Hey Djienne,
Happy Friday!!? Thanks for giving this recipe a try and sharing your review, I am so glad it was a hit! xT
This was sooooo yummy! I can definitely get in a rut with salmon and cooking it the same way. This was new and so good. My family loved it too, little ones included. 🙂
Hi Jessica,
Happy Friday! I am so excited that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks a lot for giving it a go! xT?
This recipe was really great, and I don’t even really like feta cheese but it intrigued me. I seared the salmon and then let it simmer in the sauce until fully cooked to keep it from drying out and served with red skinned potatoes and brussels sprouts to beef up the veggie factor.
Hey Deanna,
Happy Wednesday!? Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad it was a tasty one! xxT
Delicious!! I made with frozen spinach because I didn’t have zucchini and it turned out fabulous.
Hey Katie,
Thanks for your comment! So glad to hear that this dish was a winner, thanks a lot for giving it a go! ?xTieghan