Get dinner on the table fast with this flaky Baked Salmon, seasoned with lemon and dill. Simply roast it at 400°F for a moist, tender result every time—no flipping required. It’s the kind of effortless, healthy meal that makes weeknight cooking feel totally doable.
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You’ll Love This Easy Baked Salmon
- Quick Prep – Just 10 minutes to get this healthy baked salmon ready for the oven.
- Big Flavor – Lemon herb salmon tastes fancy with minimal effort.
- One-Pan Magic – Easy cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Family-Friendly – A dinner main dish everyone at my table enjoys.
What You’ll Need for Your Baked Salmon
For the salmon
- Salmon Fillet – Skin-on or skinless works, so just go with your preference. A good-quality fillet makes all the difference.
- Olive Oil – A high-quality one adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the salmon.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the fish.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground is best for that warm, aromatic kick.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle savory note without overpowering the salmon.
For the garnish
- Lemon – Thinly sliced and arranged on top for a fresh, citrusy zing.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfect for adding that final touch of color and flavor.
Let’s Talk Timing for Your Baked Salmon
I know how crazy weeknights can get, so I love that this easy baked salmon comes together in under 30 minutes. You won’t be stuck in the kitchen forever—promise!
I spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, then it cooks for just 12-15 minutes. In under 25 minutes total, you’ve got a gorgeous, flaky and moist garlic pepper salmon ready to serve. It’s the perfect last-minute dinner that still feels special.
If you’re looking for other quick ideas, check out my air fryer salmon for another fast option.
Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Equipment
- oven
- rimmed baking sheet
- small bowl
- pastry brush
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels and place it skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then brush this mixture evenly over the top and sides of the salmon.
- Arrange the thin lemon slices over the top of the seasoned salmon fillet.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork at its thickest part.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I love sharing recipes that work for everyone, including my friends who are sugar conscious or managing things like glycemic control. This savory salmon with olive oil and lemon is naturally low in sugar, but here are a few tweaks to make it even more diabetic-friendly.
First, if you’re using a sugar alternative like stevia in any accompanying sauces, just make sure it’s heat-stable. Also, pairing this simple baked fish with parsley garnish with a side of non-starchy veggies helps keep the meal balanced and blood sugar friendly.
My Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this oven roasted lemon herb salmon fillet even better. Here’s what I always do!
- Flavor Swap – Try swapping dried dill or thyme for parsley if that’s what you have on hand. It still gives that herb crusted roasted salmon fillet vibe.
- Diet Tweak – For a lighter version, you can reduce the oil slightly and add an extra squeeze of lemon right before serving.
- Texture Fix – Always pat your salmon dry before seasoning. This helps the skin get crisp and the top beautifully golden.
- Storage Tip – Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out. For more ideas, see my salmon bowl recipe for turning leftovers into something new.
And if you love this method, you might also enjoy my baked cod for another simple fish dinner.
Why Baked Salmon Is So Good for You
This healthy baked salmon isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that support your well-being. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and reducing inflammation.
It’s also an excellent source of protein, keeping you full and satisfied after your meal. According to resources on proper salmon cooking temperatures, baking it correctly helps retain all those valuable nutrients.
For more lean protein ideas, check out my salmon patties or explore baked ziti for a comforting pasta night.
How to Make a Lighter Baked Salmon
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, this recipe is super adaptable. You can easily reduce the oil by half and it will still turn out moist and flavorful.
For a different twist, try topping your salmon with a fresh salsa instead of extra salt. My salmon with salsa recipe is a great place to start. You can also experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a little crunch if you like.
Another favorite of mine is using this method for gluten-free salmon cups when I want individual portions.
How to Serve Baked Salmon With Style
I love serving this lemon herb salmon right on a big platter for family-style dinners. It always feels a little celebratory, even on a regular Tuesday night.
My go-to sides are usually some roasted asparagus or a quick quinoa pilaf. For a real treat, try pairing it with my salmon farro bowl ingredients served on the side. And if you’re feeling adventurous, my honey sesame salmon offers a sweeter twist on baked salmon.
I’ll never forget the time I made this for my mom’s birthday—she thought I’d spent hours in the kitchen, but it was so simple! It’s those little moments that make cooking such a joy.
Common Baked Salmon Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can have little pitfalls. Here’s how to make sure your baked salmon turns out perfectly every single time.
- Overcooking – This is the biggest one! Salmon cooks fast. Take it out as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. It continues to cook a bit after you pull it from the oven.
- Not Drying the Salmon – If the fillet is wet, it will steam instead of roast. Always pat it dry thoroughly for that perfect texture.
- Skipping the Rest Time – Letting the salmon rest for just 2-3 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, making it incredibly moist.
For more expert guidance, I always trust the classic baked salmon techniques from reliable sources. And if you love Asian flavors, my soy salmon is another can’t-miss recipe.
I learned the hard way about overcooking salmon early on—let’s just say my husband was very polite about eating dry fish! Now I set a timer every time.
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers
I’m a big fan of intentional leftovers—making a little extra for tomorrow’s lunch. This baked salmon holds up beautifully if stored correctly.
Let the salmon cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until just warmed through. This gentle heat helps keep it from drying out.
You can also flake cold salmon over a salad for a quick no-reheat lunch. For more creative leftover ideas, check out my salmon bowl or my baked apples for a sweet finish to your meal.
My daughter actually prefers cold salmon the next day—she says it tastes like “fancy picnic food.” I’ll take it!
Try This Baked Salmon Tonight
I really hope you give this easy baked salmon recipe a try. It’s one of those dependable recipes that never lets me down, whether I’m cooking for my family or impressing last-minute guests.
If you love this, you should explore my other salmon recipes like miso-glazed salmon, honey sesame salmon, or even something unique like salmon ice cream for the adventurous cook. For more baked favorites, don’t miss my baked manicotti or baked apples.
Cooking should be fun, not stressful. This recipe is my little way of helping you get a delicious, healthy dinner on the table with a smile.
More Easy Fish Dinners You’ll Adore
If you loved this baked salmon, you’ve got to try these other simple and flavorful seafood recipes. Perfect for shaking up your weekly menu!
Air Fryer Salmon – Crispy outside, tender inside in just minutes.
Soy Salmon – A savory, umami-packed twist with minimal ingredients.
Baked Cod – Mild, flaky, and perfect for a light, comforting meal.
Salmon Patties – A fun, family-friendly way to use canned salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it best to cook salmon at 350 or 400?
I always recommend 400°F for baked salmon. The higher heat gives you a nicely cooked exterior and a moist, flaky interior without drying it out. It also cooks faster, which is perfect for busy nights. For more details on heat, see this guide on high-heat salmon baking method.
How long does it take to cook salmon in the oven at 400 degrees?
For a typical 1-inch thick fillet, it takes about 12-15 minutes at 400°F. The key is to look for the salmon to become opaque and flake easily with a fork at the thickest part. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit after you take it out of the oven!
Should salmon be covered or uncovered when baking?
Always bake salmon uncovered. Covering it would trap steam and make the skin soggy instead of nice and crisp. You want that direct heat to work its magic on the surface of the fish.
How long to cook whole salmon in the oven at 350 degrees?
A whole salmon is a different beast! If you’re cooking a whole fish at 350°F, plan for about 20-25 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part has reached 145°F for food safety.
