Description
This easy and healthy baked salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky fillets with a flavorful garlic and herb marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it uses simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and Italian herb seasoning to enhance the natural taste of salmon. Baking ensures a moist texture without added fats, making it a nutritious and delicious meal option.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (just a pinch if using finely ground black pepper)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend (or herbs de provence, or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil)
Garnish
- 1 medium lemon (juice of ½ lemon plus thin slices from remaining ½ lemon)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking pan to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Prepare salmon fillets: Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Season them generously with salt and cracked black pepper for a balanced flavor base.
- Make garlic herb marinade: In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and the juice from half of the lemon. This mixture will infuse the salmon with zesty, herbal notes.
- Coat salmon fillets: Spoon the olive oil and herb mixture over the salmon fillets, rubbing it all over the tops and sides to ensure every part is well coated and moist.
- Add lemon slices: Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and place a slice on top of each salmon fillet to add brightness and visual appeal.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. For extra browning, broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes if desired.
- Garnish and serve: Remove salmon from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if using, and serve immediately for a fresh, healthy, and tasty meal.
Notes
- Check the salmon at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; cooking time might vary depending on the thickness of fillets.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor profile.
- Broiling at the end is optional to achieve a more caramelized top.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete healthy meal.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and used in salads or wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
