Creamy Keto Whipped Feta Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
If you are looking for a dinner that feels like a 5-star Mediterranean restaurant experience but fits perfectly into your keto macros, this Whipped Feta Salmon is it. The star of this dish is the viral whipped feta component—a velvety, tangy, high-fat base that pairs beautifully with the richness of pan-seared salmon. By swapping traditional high-carb sides for thick-cut, roasted cauliflower steaks, we keep the net carbs remarkably low while maximizing fiber and nutrient density. Salmon provides a massive dose of Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health and reducing inflammation on a ketogenic diet, while the feta and cream cheese mixture ensures you hit your fat goals to stay in ketosis. This meal is elegant enough for date night but simple enough for a weeknight rotation.
The Masterplan
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower. Slice the head vertically into four thick 'steaks' (save the loose florets for another meal or roast them alongside).
3. Brush the cauliflower steaks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and tender.
4. Make the whipped feta: While the cauliflower roasts, place the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic into a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or oil to loosen. Set aside.
5. Cook the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes until cooked through.
6. Assemble: Spread a generous swoosh of whipped feta on each plate. Top with a roasted cauliflower steak and a salmon fillet. Garnish with fresh dill and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Perfect Pairings
Keto Mediterranean Whipped Feta Steak Bites
Crispy Keto Brown Butter Sage Cauliflower Gnocchi
Slow-Cooker Keto Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Gather Your Energy
Step by Step
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower. Slice the head vertically into four thick 'steaks' (save the loose florets for another meal or roast them alongside).
3. Brush the cauliflower steaks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and tender.
4. Make the whipped feta: While the cauliflower roasts, place the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic into a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or oil to loosen. Set aside.
5. Cook the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes until cooked through.
6. Assemble: Spread a generous swoosh of whipped feta on each plate. Top with a roasted cauliflower steak and a salmon fillet. Garnish with fresh dill and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.