A Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe is a favorite camping recipe for me to prepare. I can guarantee that this recipe has been a favorite mine and Johns for a long time.
At its core, the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe is a uncomplicated dish that yields great results. The star of the show is, of course, the salmon – rich, fatty, and begging to be combined with the flavors of the Mediterranean. I like to use a combination of artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley.
Feel free to customize the ingredients to your liking, adding or subtracting elements to suit your taste preferences and tell me in the comment section below. Want to add some heat? Throw in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Need a bit more brightness? Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. The best part is that you can prepare the entire packet in advance, making it the perfect solution for camping trips or picnics.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare . Simply place your salmon fillet on a large piece of foil, top with your chosen ingredients, and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Fold the foil into a neat packet, and you’re ready to cook. Whether that’s over a campfire, on a grill, or in your oven at home. The result is a tender, flaky piece of salmon that’s full of the deep, rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
So grab your camping gear, fire up the campfire, and get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable recipe.
Cooking Instructions For the Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
- The first step of making the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Cut four 18 x 12-inch squares of foil* and layout on a flat surface.
- Place one salmon in the middle of each piece of foil. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the lentils, vegetables, shrimp with garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Toss to coat then divide evenly into each foil packet, arranging them around the salmon. Top salmon with 1 or 2 tomato halves rubbing some seasoning on the salmon. Fold the foil bringing all sides together and close off the packets.
- Place foil packets onto grill and grill for 6 minutes, then flip over and grill for an additional 4-6 minutes (depending on the thickness of the salmon) or until salmon is flaky and shrimp is opaque and pink.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Ingredients
salmon fillets
olive oil
sea salt
black pepper
lentils
zucchini
red bell peppers
cherry tomatoes
shrimp
garlic
thyme
rosemary
oregano
parsley
lemon wedges
Why I Love This Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
Cooking with foil packets is a popular method among campers for several reasons. Here are ten factual reasons why:
Ease of Preparation:
1. Minimal Prep Time: Preparing foil packet meals is usually quick and straightforward, often involving simply chopping ingredients and seasoning them before wrapping in foil.
Simple Ingredients: Many foil packet recipes require basic, readily available ingredients.
2. Convenience:
No Need for Pots and Pans: Foil packets eliminate the need for multiple cooking utensils and dishes.
Portability: Foil packets are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips.
3. Versatility:
Variety of Recipes: Almost any meal can be adapted for foil packet cooking, from breakfast to dessert.
Suitable for Various Cooking Methods: Foil packets can be cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or in coals.
4. Flavor Enhancement:
Sealed Cooking: The sealed packets trap steam, helping to retain moisture and enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Even Cooking: Foil packets promote even cooking by distributing heat uniformly.
5. Easy Cleanup:
Disposable: After cooking, the foil can be disposed of, reducing the need for washing dishes.
Less Mess: The foil contains the food and any cooking juices, minimizing spills and mess.
6. Healthier Cooking:
Less Oil Needed: The steaming effect of foil packets often requires less oil or fat for cooking.
Nutrient Retention: Cooking in foil packets can help retain nutrients in the food since it cooks in its own juices.
7. Portion Control:
Individual Servings: Foil packets can be easily portioned out for individual servings, making it easier to manage meal sizes.
Customizable: Each packet can be customized to accommodate individual dietary preferences or restrictions.
8. Safety:
Reduced Risk of Contamination: Cooking food in sealed packets reduces the risk of cross-contamination, especially important when dealing with raw meat.
Controlled Cooking Environment: The packets help control the cooking environment, reducing the risk of food falling into the fire or grill.
9. Fuel Efficiency:
Shorter Cooking Times: Foil packets often require less cooking time, conserving fuel.
Efficient Heat Use: The packets make efficient use of the heat source, whether it’s a campfire, grill, or portable stove.
10.Fun and Interactive:
Group Activity: Making foil packets can be a fun group activity, allowing everyone to assemble their own meals.
Creative Cooking: Campers can get creative with their recipes, trying different ingredient combinations and cooking techniques.
These reasons make foil packet cooking a favored method among campers, providing practicality, efficiency, and enjoyment.
Campfire Foil Packet Cooking Tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will help prevent tearing as you handle the packs and flip them over the campfire/grill.
Take advantage of indirect heat. When cooking over a campfire, you’ll want to use embers/coals, rather than placing the packets right over a roaring fire.
Flip the packets. Turn the packets over every once in a while to make sure they cook evenly.
Protect your hands: We like to use heat-resistant gloves or extra-long BBQ tongs when handling hot foil packets.
Use a meat thermometer. When it comes to foil pack recipes, we highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked through. Take a packet off the fire, carefully open it (it will be full of steam!), and check the temp of a few pieces. If the meat needs more time, re-seal the packet and put it back on the fire to cook for a while longer.
What Are Foil Packets and How Do I Use Them
Campfire foil packets are dishes prepared on a campfire or grill packaged in foil and served all at once. You might have tried them previously or seen others camping with food wrapped in tinfoil and thrown on a grill to cook together.
Like a one-pot dinner, all of the ingredients cook altogether within the foil, resulting in a steaming, tender, and wonderful all-in-one dish. Foil packages can be prepared over a campfire, on a grill, or in the oven.
This dish is extremely adjustable, so if someone doesn’t like onions, for instance, you may substitute it with green beans, making it ideal for a group. These are a few typical items found in foil packs.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hashbrowns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
What Exactly is a Foil Pack Meal?
A foil pack dinner, also known as a hobo package or foil packet dinner? is a complete meal composed of vegetables, meats, carbohydrates, and spices wrapped in many layers of aluminum foil. It’s cooked over campfire embers, on the grill, or in the oven. The tight closure retains moisture while steam cooks the food within the package.
Additionally, there are several vegetable and protein combos that may be used to create quick foil pack camping dinners. For example, in this package, I combine asparagus, chicken, and potatoes with garlic flavor.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hashbrowns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
How To Make Foil Packets
- Tear out a 16-inch piece of tinfoil.
- Place the meal onto the foil sheet.
- Fold up both long edges of the foil until the ends touch above the meal.
- Double fold both ends, allowing heat circulation inside.
- To close the packet, double fold the two short ends.
Make Ahead Tips For the Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
Start The Coals / Prepare Your Fire
The first step is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them a lot so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
Campfire Cooking Tools
Kitchen Twine
Mixing Bowl
Cast Iron Skillet
Grill Grate
Knives
Campfire Cooking Utensils
Campfire Serving Utensils
Campfire Fork or Tongs
Fire Proof Cooking Gloves
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Foil Paper Non Stick
FAQ For the Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
Q: What is the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe and how does it benefit my health?
A: The Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with the freshness of Mediterranean herbs and spices. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and health benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. The Mediterranean herbs and spices add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish a great addition to a healthy diet.
Q: What ingredients do I need to make the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe?
A: To make this Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano, 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme, 1 lemon, sliced, 1 zucchini, sliced, 1 bell pepper, sliced, salt, and pepper. You’ll also need aluminum foil packets to cook the salmon in. Optional ingredients include feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts for added flavor.
Q: How do I prepare the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe and what’s the cooking time?
A: To prepare the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut four pieces of aluminum foil into large squares. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each square, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add sliced lemon, zucchini, and bell pepper on top of the salmon. Fold the foil over the salmon to create a packet, making sure to seal the edges tightly. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Q: Can I customize the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe to suit my dietary preferences?
A: Absolutely! This Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe is highly customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences. If you’re gluten-free, simply omit the feta cheese. For a low-carb option, reduce the amount of zucchini and bell pepper or substitute with lower-carb vegetables like mushrooms or green beans. You can also add other Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or Kalamata olives to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!
Q: How do I store leftovers from the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe?
A: To store leftovers from the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe, allow the cooked salmon packets to cool completely. Then, refrigerate them in airtight containers for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked salmon packets for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Be sure to check the salmon for freshness and safety before consuming.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Grilled Honey Chipotle Salmon Foil Packets Recipe
Tex Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets Recipe
Honey Lime Tilapia and Corn Foil Pack Recipe
Honey Mustard Chicken Tomato Zucchini Foil Packs Recipe
Campfire Surf and Turf Foil Packs Recipe
Easy Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Twine
- mixing bowl
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Grill Grate
- knives
- Campfire Cooking Utensils
- Campfire Serving Utensils
- Campfire Fork Or Tongs
- fire proof cooking gloves
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Foil Paper Non Stick
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz salmon fillets skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper fresh ground
- 1 cup lentils canned or cooked rinsed and drained - optional for added fiber and protein.
- 1 cup zucchini sliced and/or yellow squash
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers chopped
- 1/3 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 lb shrimp peeled and deveined. Optional for extra protein. Omit if preferred.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 1/2 tsp rosemary dried
- 1/2 tsp oregano dried
- ¼ cup parsley freshly chopped for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Video
Instructions
- The first step of making the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Mediterranean salmon foil packet recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Cut four 18 x 12-inch squares of foil* and layout on a flat surface.
- Place one salmon in the middle of each piece of foil. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the lentils, vegetables, shrimp with garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Toss to coat then divide evenly into each foil packet, arranging them around the salmon. Top salmon with 1 or 2 tomato halves rubbing some seasoning on the salmon. Fold the foil bringing all sides together and close off the packets.
- Place foil packets onto grill and grill for 6 minutes, then flip over and grill for an additional 4-6 minutes (depending on the thickness of the salmon) or until salmon is flaky and shrimp is opaque and pink.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Nutrition
