When I made this keto charred herb and feta salmon for Christmas, it became an instant hit. The flaky salmon, creamy feta, fresh herbs, and tangy radish pickle had everyone raving! As a keto chef and mom, I love recipes that are easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing—and this one delivers every time.
The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Nutrition
Salmon has been a holiday favorite for centuries, and now we know it’s a nutritional powerhouse too! Packed with omega-3s and protein, it’s perfect for a festive keto twist. The feta, herbs, and radish pickle take this dish from simple to sensational.
From Skepticism to Seconds
My family wasn’t sold at first—my kids thought the pickle was “too pretty to eat,” and my husband was skeptical about fish. But after one bite, they were hooked! This dish is proof that healthy can also be delicious and festive.
Table of Content
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
- Bursting with Flavor: This dish combines the richness of baked salmon with the savory tang of feta and the freshness of herbs for a mouthwatering experience.
- Keto-Approved Goodness: With just 4g of net carbs per serving, this recipe is perfect for staying on track with your keto goals.
- Effortless Elegance: A simple prep process and minimal ingredients make this dish a go-to for weeknights or special occasions.
- Crunchy & Creamy: Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch, while the feta topping melts slightly to create a creamy texture.
- Refreshing Pickle Perfection: The radish and onion pickle adds a bright, tangy contrast that elevates the entire meal.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy leftovers for up to 3 days—cold or reheated, it’s just as delicious!
- Healthier Choice: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and fiber, this is a dish that satisfies both taste buds and nutrition goals.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless whole side of salmon (skin on)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fennel seeds
- Feta cheese
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Green onions
- Flaked almonds
- Salad leaves
- Red wine vinegar
- Keto-friendly sweetener (e.g., erythritol)
- Salt
- Bay leaves
- Spring onion bulbs
- Red radishes
How to Make Keto Charred Herb and Feta Salmon
Prepare the Pickle: Create a tangy pickling liquid with vinegar, sweetener, and seasonings, then pour it over radish slices and onion wedges. Let it pickle for at least an hour.
Season and Top the Salmon: Rub the salmon with a fennel seed oil blend, then top with a mixture of feta, parsley, green onions, and flaked almonds.
Bake the Salmon: Roast the salmon in a preheated oven until it’s flaky and tender.
Assemble and Serve: Garnish the cooked salmon with the drained pickle, extra parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside fresh salad leaves.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
- Leftovers for the Win: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the radish and onion pickle in a separate container to maintain its crunch.
- Freezing Made Easy: Want to save some for later? Freeze the cooked salmon (without the pickle) for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat with Care: To keep the salmon moist, reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwaving—it can dry out the fish.
- Cold for the Win: Don’t feel like reheating? Enjoy the salmon cold as part of a salad for a quick and satisfying keto lunch.
Serving Tips
- Plating Perfection: Serve the salmon on a bed of fresh salad leaves for a pop of color and added crunch.
- Extra Tang, Anyone? Drizzle a bit of the leftover pickling liquid over the salmon for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
- Pair It Up: This dish pairs beautifully with keto-friendly sides like roasted asparagus, cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles.
- Elegant Garnish: Sprinkle some extra parsley and a handful of toasted almonds on top for a touch of sophistication.
- Party-Ready: Slice the salmon into smaller portions to create a stunning platter for gatherings—it’s guaranteed to impress!
Tips & FAQs
Why is this recipe perfect for a keto diet?
This recipe is low in carbs (just 4g net carbs per serving) and high in healthy fats and protein. It uses keto-approved ingredients like salmon, feta, and olive oil while avoiding carb-heavy sides or additives.
How do I make the radish and onion pickle keto-friendly?
We replace traditional sugar with erythritol or another keto-approved sweetener to keep the carbs low while retaining the tangy sweetness of a classic pickle.
What can I serve alongside this dish for a complete keto meal?
Pair it with roasted asparagus, cauliflower mash, or a fresh cucumber salad. These sides are all low-carb, quick to make, and complement the flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What makes this recipe family-friendly?
The mild flavors of baked salmon and creamy feta appeal to a variety of tastes, and the vibrant radish pickle adds a fun, tangy twist. Even picky eaters may find themselves going back for seconds!
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Holidays
1. Elegant Presentation:
This dish is a showstopper! The vibrant radish pickle, golden almonds, and fresh herbs create a visually stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
2. Crowd-Pleasing Flavors:
The rich, flaky salmon paired with creamy feta and herbaceous notes appeals to diverse palates, making it a hit among guests, even those not on keto.
3. Quick and Easy:
While it looks fancy, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, leaving you with more time to spend with your loved ones during the holidays.
4. Healthy Indulgence:
Amidst the holiday feasting, this keto-friendly dish offers a balanced option that’s light, nutritious, and free of carb overload, so you can enjoy guilt-free.
5. Versatile Pairings:
Serve this salmon alongside festive keto-friendly sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, a colorful holiday salad, or buttery cauliflower mash to complete the meal.
6. Make-Ahead Convenience:
The radish pickle can be prepared in advance, and the salmon can be seasoned earlier in the day, making it easy to focus on entertaining.
7. Accommodates Dietary Needs:
This dish is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and easily adaptable to dairy-free preferences, ensuring it suits various dietary requirements.
8. Perfect for Winter Flavors:
The hearty salmon and warming herbs like parsley pair beautifully with cold-weather produce, making it an ideal choice for the season.
Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual gathering, this keto charred herb and feta salmon recipe adds an elegant, flavorful, and health-conscious touch to your holiday celebrations.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the Keto Charred herb and fetta salmon —they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨
Delicious Keto Charred herb and fetta salmon with Tangy Pickle
Description
This keto charred herb and feta salmon recipe is a flavorful, low-carb dish featuring creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a tangy radish pickle.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
For the Radish and Onion Pickle:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pickle
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In a small saucepan, combine red wine vinegar, erythritol, salt, bay leaves, and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sweetener dissolves.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
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Place the spring onions and radish slices in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the veggies. Set aside for at least 1 hour to pickle.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Salmon
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Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
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Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared tray.
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In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and fennel seeds. Season generously with salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the salmon.
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In another bowl, combine the feta, parsley, and green onions. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the salmon, followed by the flaked almonds.
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Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flaky.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
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Drain the radish and onion pickle, discarding the pickling liquid. Separate the onion layers.
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Top the cooked salmon with the pickled radishes and onion. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with additional parsley for garnish.
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Serve warm alongside fresh salad leaves for a light, satisfying keto meal.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 460kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 34g68%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
When I first whipped up this keto charred herb and feta salmon recipe, I wasn’t sure how my family would react. My husband, a die-hard meat-and-potatoes guy, eyed the radish pickle skeptically, while my kids were more interested in asking, “What’s for dessert?” But one bite in, and they were hooked! My husband went back for seconds (a rare occurrence with fish), and my kids declared it “not bad” (which, let’s be honest, is a win when greens are involved). Now, this dish is a family favorite, gracing our table on busy weeknights and even dinner parties.