Baked Salmon Recipe
Succulent and bursting with flavor, this Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon is the ultimate go-to for a quick, nourishing meal. Fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender salmon fillets come together beautifully in just 30 minutes.
Perfectly flaky and infused with bright, herbaceous notes, this salmon recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality experience at home. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a weeknight dinner warrior, this dish is bound to impress.
Main Ingredients for Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon
- Salmon Fillets – The star of the dish, rich in omega-3s and protein, providing a buttery texture when perfectly baked.
- Olive Oil – Adds luxurious moisture and a subtle fruity flavor that complements the natural richness of salmon.
- Salt and Cracked Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance the salmon’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
- Minced Garlic – Infuses the fish with a warm, savory depth that’s irresistible when combined with lemon.
- Italian Herb Seasoning Blend – A fragrant mix that brings a rustic, earthy taste, balancing the zestiness of the lemon.
- Lemon – Freshly squeezed and sliced, lemon brightens the dish with a refreshing citrus punch.
Quick and Easy Instructions for Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lightly greasing a baking pan. Arrange your salmon fillets neatly on the sheet and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs with the juice of half a lemon. Spoon this vibrant mixture over the fillets, making sure every inch is coated. Top each piece with a thin lemon slice.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. For a golden finish, broil for 1–2 minutes right at the end. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon
For the juiciest salmon, avoid overbaking; it should be just opaque in the center. Broiling briefly at the end adds a lightly crisped top that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Feel free to play with herbs: try a sprinkle of dill for a Scandinavian twist, or swap in lime and fresh cilantro for a zesty, tropical vibe. Serve it over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or fresh greens for a complete meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
How to Store and Reheat Your Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a 275°F oven for about 10–12 minutes to gently warm it without drying out.
You can also freeze the baked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, storing it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium lemon
- 4 salmon fillets approximately 6 ounces each
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend or a mix of ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper or a pinch if finely ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking pan. Arrange the salmon fillets on the pan, seasoning them liberally with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, herb seasoning, and the juice from half of the lemon. Spoon this mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring all surfaces are well-coated to avoid any dryness. Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and place a slice atop each fillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork; for added crispness, broil during the final 1-2 minutes if preferred. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired before serving.