Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Sauce
A simple and flavorful Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Sauce recipe perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are baked to perfection and topped with a bright, zesty lemon herb sauce made from fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. This quick, nutritious, and versatile dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress with minimal effort.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- Salmon fillets, fresh or thawed, skin-on or skinless, about 6 ounces per serving
Lemon Herb Sauce
- Fresh lemon juice, from 1-2 lemons (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 small knob of butter (about 1 tablespoon), melted
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup. Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the sauce stick better and ensure even cooking.
- Make the Lemon Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, finely chopped parsley, dill, and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir well to combine. For a richer sauce, gently melt butter and whisk it in.
- Coat the Salmon: Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if skin is on. Spoon the lemon herb sauce generously over the top, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The lemon herb sauce will infuse the salmon as it bakes, keeping it moist and aromatic.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. Spoon any remaining lemon herb sauce from the pan over the fillets before serving to add extra flavor and a glossy finish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, wild-caught or high-quality farmed salmon for best taste and texture.
- Avoid overcooking; salmon is done when it flakes easily and is opaque in the center.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and thyme for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Adjust the acidity by tasting the lemon herb sauce before baking, adding more lemon juice if desired.
- Allow salmon to rest briefly after baking to let juices redistribute and maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon herb sauce, healthy dinner, quick salmon recipe, omega-3 rich, easy fish recipe, weeknight dinner