Name: Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 filets; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil, or vegetable oil; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced, pressed, or grated; 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked; 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy, you’re going to love this Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in a snap — perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to salmon dinner too.

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Simple: You can have this meal ready in just about 20 minutes, no complicated steps or long marinating times.
Bright & Fresh Flavor: Lemon juice and fresh herbs uplift the salmon without overpowering its natural richness.
Perfect Texture Every Time: Baking at a high temperature seals in moisture, keeping the salmon tender and flaky.
Minimal Ingredients Needed: Pantry staples combined with fresh lemon and garlic make a flavor-packed glaze.

Baked Lemon Herb Salmon, Lemon Herb Salmon, Easy Salmon Dinner, Healthy Baked Salmon, Quick Salmon Recipes - Four cooked salmon fillets lie side by side on a baking tray with a slightly browned surface. Each salmon fillet is light pink with a moist and soft texture, sprinkled with small green herb pieces on top. A thin, round lemon slice with pale yellow color and visible seeds rests on each fillet. The background shows the textured baking tray with some scattered oil and browned bits. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe come together like a dream, balancing brightness, savoriness, and a touch of warmth. Plus, they’re easy to find and don’t require fancy shopping trips.

Baked Lemon Herb Salmon, Lemon Herb Salmon, Easy Salmon Dinner, Healthy Baked Salmon, Quick Salmon Recipes - Flat lay of fresh pink salmon fillets with skin on, a small pile of finely chopped bright green parsley, three whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, and four thin lemon rings with bright yellow rinds arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillet: Go for fresh, wild-caught if you can — it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Fresh parsley: Brings a mild herbaceous note and lovely color contrast.
Extra light olive oil: Helps distribute the marinade flavors while keeping the salmon moist without smoking at high oven temps.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds vibrant acidity that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
Garlic cloves: Minced or grated garlic gives a gentle punch of savory warmth.
Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that helps emulsify the glaze for better adhesion and flavor depth.
Sea salt & black pepper: Basic seasonings that lift all the other ingredients and highlight the fish’s natural flavor.
Lemon slices: These go on top for a fresh garnish and a touch of citrus aroma while baking.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe is super versatile — I love experimenting with different herbs or adding a little heat now and then. Don’t be afraid to adjust it so it fits what you like best!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap parsley for fresh dill or basil when I want a different herb note — it’s equally delicious.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives a nice kick without overpowering the salmon’s delicate flavor.
Gluten-free tweak: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to the marinade.
Extra crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top just before serving for a nutty contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Oven

First things first — preheat your oven to 450°F. This high heat is key for perfectly cooked salmon with a slight crisp on the top. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, silicone mat, or foil to catch drips and make cleanup a breeze. Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down spaced evenly on the sheet.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until well mixed — it should look bright and inviting. This simple glaze is where all the magic happens, marrying fresh and tangy flavors.

Step 3: Brush and Garnish

Generously brush the glaze over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Don’t be shy here — this will lock in moisture and pack in flavor. Then, top each piece with a lemon slice for that classic lemony aroma as it bakes. Heads up: bake immediately after glazing, because sitting too long can start ‘cooking’ the fish in the lemon juice and make it tough.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Pop the salmon into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end — you want the salmon to be just cooked through and flaky when tested with a fork. Using an instant-read thermometer, look for 145°F internal temperature at the thickest point to nail perfect doneness. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Skip the Marinating: Unlike some salmon recipes, this one doesn’t need long marinating; the quick brush-on glaze gives fresh flavor without making the fish mushy.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Checking internal temperature is the best way to avoid over or undercooking this delicate fish.
Skin-On for Moisture: Leaving the skin on during baking helps keep the salmon moist and easy to handle, plus it crisps up nicely if you like to eat it.
Don’t Bake Too Long: Salmon will continue to cook a bit after coming out of the oven, so aim for just cooked through to avoid dryness.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe

Baked Lemon Herb Salmon, Lemon Herb Salmon, Easy Salmon Dinner, Healthy Baked Salmon, Quick Salmon Recipes - The image shows a close-up of two salmon fillets cooked with a light seasoning of herbs and small bits of garlic. Each fillet has a thin round lemon slice placed on top, adding a light yellow color contrast. The salmon is a soft pink with visible flaky texture, and the herbs add green specks all over. One fillet is being gently pulled apart with a silver fork, showing the tender inside of the fish. The background is a white marbled texture, adding a clean and bright look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this salmon with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and sometimes a few capers or thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and extra zing. The lemon slice on top during baking gives the final elegant touch — it’s simple but really elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go with something light and fresh. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic pair beautifully. Sometimes I whip up a quick quinoa salad or serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes for a more comforting plate. The contrast between fresh lemon-herb salmon and a starchy side is just delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I served this baked salmon on a bed of wild rice with a swirl of herbed yogurt sauce drizzled on top — it was a hit for a dinner party. For a special brunch, try flaking the cooked salmon over avocado toast with microgreens and extra lemon zest. Presentation can be as simple or as fancy as you want!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for 2-3 days. To keep the glaze intact, I like to place a lemon slice on top before sealing the container.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze cooked salmon because the texture can suffer a bit, but if you want to prepare ahead, raw salmon fillets freeze well before baking. Just thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight before applying the glaze and baking fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I lightly cover the salmon with foil and warm it in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes — this gentle heat keeps it tender and prevents drying out. Microwave reheating tends to make it rubbery, so I avoid that when I can.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is completely thawed in the refrigerator before you start. Pat the fillets dry to remove excess moisture so the glaze sticks properly, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Do I need to remove the skin before baking?

Nope! I recommend leaving the skin on while baking — it helps keep the fish moist and makes handling easier. You can eat the skin if you like it crispy, or peel it off after baking.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

You can prep the marinade the day before, but I advise brushing it onto the salmon right before baking. Letting the lemon juice sit on the fish for too long starts to ‘cook’ it, which can make the texture rubbery.
How do I know when the salmon is done?

Look for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork and an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, checking flakiness and firmness works well too.
Can I use other types of fish?

This glaze would be lovely on other firm fish like cod or halibut, but baking times will vary. Salmon’s rich flavor pairs especially well with the lemon herb combo, though!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe is one of those reliable, feel-good dishes that I keep coming back to again and again. It’s fresh, easy, and versatile enough to dress up or down. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like a little taste of sunshine on your plate. Give it a try tonight, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!