Mediterranean Sheet Pan Salmon with Zucchini Noodles

 Mediterranean spiced salmon nestled on a bed of zucchini noodles, olives, tomato, onion, and garlic. A few simple ingredients, one sheet pan, and 10 minutes in the oven.

I'd like to introduce you to your new back pocket – go-to – quick and healthy – I need dinner and have exactly 15 minutes – recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb wild salmon
• 3 cups zucchini noodles 1 large zucchini or 16 ounce of pre-spiralized zucchini
• 3/4 cup grape tomatoes
• 3/4 cup olives 
• 1 small red onion, sliced sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp za'atar (see notes for substitution)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• fresh lemon wedges

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400°
2. Drizzle one teaspoon of olive oil on the salmon, coat with 1 clove of crushed garlic, za'atar spice (see note for substitution), and salt. Place in the center of a large baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl toss together zucchini noodles, 3 cloves of crushed garlic, tomato, olives, onion, black pepper, and olive oil. Pour onto the baking sheet and arrange in a single layer around the salmon.
4. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes. (see notes for cooking time). 
5. Remove from oven, serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

NOTES*

Cook Time for Salmon:

• 10 minutes for medium salmon
• 15 minutes for medium well salmon (I don't recommend cooking beyond 15 minutes)

Za'atar Substitute:

Za'atar is a middle eastern spice blend that traditionally uses thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. Although the one I use is from my trip to Israel and contains the ancient (biblical) spice Hyssop. You can find Za'atar blends in some specialty grocery stores, online, or make your own. Or… if all of that seems like too much trouble you can absolutely just use a pinch of dried thyme and a pinch of dried oregano, it's not the same (Za'atar purists please don't yell at me!) but it works perfectly well in this recipe.