Za’atar Salmon with Herby Butter Beans

When you need a fuss-free meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent, Za’atar Salmon with Herby Butter Beans is the answer. This dish brings together perfectly roasted salmon, infused with the warm, aromatic flavours of za’atar and a hint of chilli, alongside creamy butter beans simmered with onion, garlic, lemon, and white wine. Finished with a generous handful of fresh parsley and dill, it’s a beautifully balanced meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. And it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. 

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Perfect Pairing: Za’atar with Salmon
• Salmon Cooks Quicker Than You Think
• Tips on Getting Perfectly Silky Beans
• Za’atar Salmon with Herby Butter Beans: Serving Suggestions
• Make It Your Own: Easy Ways to Customise
• Enjoyed This Salmon Dish? I’ve Got More Here!

Ingredient Breakdown

• Salmon fillets: Tender, flaky and rich in flavour, they roast beautifully with minimal effort.
• Za’atar: A fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend with earthy, citrusy, and herby notes
•  that adds depth and warmth.
• Aleppo chilli flakes: Mild heat with a slight fruitiness, perfect for a touch of spice (optional but recommended).
• Butter beans: Creamy, hearty and satisfying, they soak up all the delicious flavours and perfectly compliment the salmon.
• Lemon (juice and zest): Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes, cutting through the richness.
• White wine: Adds a subtle acidity and depth.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Enhances flavour and adds depth while keeping the fish moist.
• Onion: Softens and sweetens, adding a delicate savoury note.
• Garlic: Brings a beautiful, aromatic punch to the dish.
• Fresh parsley and dill: Essential for a fresh, herby finish to balance the dish.

The Perfect Pairing: Za’atar with Salmon

Za’atar is one of those game-changing spices that instantly elevates a dish. With its blend of earthy thyme, nutty sesame, and tart sumac, it brings an irresistible depth of flavour to roasted salmon. Pairing it with Aleppo chilli flakes adds a gentle heat that enhances the dish without overpowering it.

Salmon, as a protein, doesn’t need much fussing over. In this recipe, a simple coating of za’atar and Aleppo chilli transforms it into something special. The key is to let the seasoning sit on the fillets while preparing the beans. This short resting time allows the flavours to seep in before baking.

Salmon Cooks Quicker Than You Think

Many recipes and package instructions suggest cooking salmon for longer than necessary, often resulting in dry, overcooked fish. While this recipe provides roasting times, several factors influence how quickly salmon cooks, including fillet thickness, oven variations, and even how cold the fish is before going in.

To ensure perfectly cooked salmon every time, look for these key signs:

• Visual Cues: The salmon should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you prefer it medium-rare, the centre should remain slightly translucent. For well-done salmon, check that the centre is fully opaque.
• Touch Test: Gently press down on the fillet with a fork or your finger. If the flesh separates along the natural white lines, it’s ready to serve.
• Residual Cooking: Salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat, so taking it out just before it reaches full doneness prevents overcooking.

Tips on Getting Perfectly Silky Beans

While the salmon is the star, the butter beans play an equally important role. And while butter beans might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a side, they’re an absolute game-changer here. Their natural creaminess makes them the perfect base for bold Mediterranean flavours and they absorb all the goodness from the garlic, onion, lemon, and wine beautifully.

One of the biggest mistakes with tinned beans is draining them straight away. In this recipe, the bean liquid is gold. It adds body and richness, helping to create a luscious sauce that ties everything together. 

The secret to achieving the perfect texture is allowing the beans to simmer until most of the liquid has reduced. This concentrates the flavours, making every bite satisfying and deeply savoury. The final addition of fresh parsley and dill brings a fresh, herby contrast to the richness of the dish.

Za’atar Salmon with Herby Butter Beans: Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. Serve the salmon straight from the oven, nestled on a bed of creamy butter beans. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over the top enhances the flavours even further.

For extra texture, you can add a handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkling of crumbled feta. A simple side salad with a lemony dressing works beautifully to keep the meal light and fresh. If you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of crusty sourdough is perfect for soaking up the fragrant, lemony sauce. Or if you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve it alongside fluffy couscous or quinoa.

A glass of dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs exceptionally well. The acidity cuts through the richness of the salmon and complements the citrusy beans perfectly.

Make It Your Own: Easy Ways to Customise

What makes this recipe even better is its adaptability. No Aleppo chilli? A mix of regular chilli flakes and smoked paprika does the trick. Prefer another fish? Try cod or trout for a slightly milder flavour. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, swap out the salmon for roasted aubergine or halloumi – both pair beautifully with the za’atar seasoning.

The butter beans can also be swapped for cannellini beans or even chickpeas for a different texture. For extra greens, toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. If you want a heartier dish, serve it with fluffy couscous, quinoa, or a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the lemony, herby sauce. A dollop of Greek yoghurt on top adds a lovely creaminess and a tangy contrast to the rich flavours. However you choose to adapt it, this dish remains quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious.

Enjoyed This Salmon Dish? I’ve Got More Here!

If this Za’atar Salmon with Herby Butter Beans has become a firm favourite, why not check out some of the other salmon recipes I have on my site:

• Za’atar Salmon with Garlic Chilli Butter: A real showstopper. Za’atar crusted salmon drenched in a homemade garlic chilli butter. It’s bold, it’s rich, and it delivers on every level!
• Herby Zingy Salmon: Perfectly roasted salmon slathered with a delicious, zingy sauce. A quick and easy dish that takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.Roasted Salmon with Curry Leaf Butter: A simple three ingredient butter paired with a delicately roasted fillet of salmon makes for an incredibly delicious, aromatic and impressive dinner.
• Roasted Salmon with Curry Leaf Butter: A simple three ingredient butter paired with a delicately roasted fillet of salmon makes for an incredibly delicious, aromatic and impressive dinner.

If you’d like to see how I make all of the above recipes and more, head over to my Instagram!