Name: Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs 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 41 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet spectacular way to enjoy salmon, you’re going to love this Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe. It’s one of those easy dinner options that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but really takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish. I promise, once you try it, it will become your go-to for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Let me walk you through it so you can nail that tender, flaky salmon every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and fuss-free: The marinade doubles as a glaze, so no long marinating time required—just brush it on and bake.
Bright and fresh flavors: Lemon and herbs brighten the natural richness of salmon perfectly without overpowering it.
Reliable cooking time: Baking at 450°F for 12–15 minutes cooks the salmon through while keeping it silky and moist.
Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a weekday meal or a casual dinner party, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs, lemon herb baked salmon, easy baked salmon recipes, healthy salmon dinner ideas, flaky baked salmon - 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

This Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe comes together with a handful of ingredients that complement each other beautifully. From the fresh bite of lemon to the savory garlic and the subtle hit of Dijon mustard, each component lends a layer of flavor that elevates simple salmon to something quite memorable. Here’s why I choose each item for making this recipe stand out.

Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs, lemon herb baked salmon, easy baked salmon recipes, healthy salmon dinner ideas, flaky baked salmon - 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: Fresh, high-quality salmon is a game-changer—look for firm flesh with vibrant color and minimal smell.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright herbal note and freshness that contrasts the richness of the fish.
Olive oil (or vegetable oil): Helps the marinade coat the fish nicely and keeps it moist during baking.
Lemon juice: Brings acidity that cuts through the fattiness of salmon, balancing the flavors.
Garlic cloves: The mild pungency of garlic enhances the savory notes without being overpowering.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and slight depth to the glaze.
Sea salt & black pepper: Seasoning is key—always use fine sea salt for even flavoring and freshly cracked pepper for best aroma.
Lemon slices (for garnish): These not only add charm but also infuse a hint of background citrus 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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe is how easy it is to customize. The base is so bright and fresh that you can adjust it depending on what you have on hand or which flavors you’re craving.

Herb swaps: I sometimes swap parsley for dill or basil for a slightly different herbal twist — both work beautifully.
Spice it up: If you like some heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes straight to the glaze for a subtle kick.
Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Extra citrus: Some days, I like to add a zest of lemon or even a splash of orange juice to brighten things further.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Salmon

First off, preheat your oven to 450°F (that high heat is key to getting a slight crisp on top while keeping the inside tender). I like to line my baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy clean-up. Then, place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet spaced slightly apart — this helps them cook evenly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

While the oven heats up, grab a small bowl and stir together fresh parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. I find that whisking these ingredients thoroughly helps create that lovely glaze that clings perfectly to the salmon.

Step 3: Glaze and Garnish the Salmon

Now, generously brush the marinade all over the salmon, making sure to coat the sides too. Don’t be shy here — that’s where much of the flavor comes from. Then top each fillet with a slice of lemon. Quick tip: Bake immediately after glazing — if you let the lemon juice sit on the fish too long, it can start to “cook” the salmon and make it tougher than you want.

Step 4: Bake Until Flaky and Juicy

Place the salmon in the oven uncovered and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you want the salmon to be just cooked through and flaky when tested with a fork. If you have a meat thermometer, check for 145°F at the thickest part. Overcooking is the biggest rookie mistake here, so err on the side of slightly underdone if you’re unsure; it will continue cooking briefly after you take it out.

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Pro Tips for Making Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and lemon make all the difference. They keep this dish tasting vibrant and bright.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon can quickly dry out, so set your timer and check at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Invest in a good thermometer; it takes the guesswork out and guarantees perfectly cooked fish.
Bake Immediately After Glazing: The lemon juice starts “cooking” the fish if you wait. Brush and bake right away for best texture.

How to Serve Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs, lemon herb baked salmon, easy baked salmon recipes, healthy salmon dinner ideas, flaky baked salmon - 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 typically finish this salmon with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for color and freshness. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add a few capers or thinly sliced green onions on top — they bring a delightful salty tang and a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs wonderfully with seasonal roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. One of my favorite combos is serving it alongside herbed quinoa and steamed asparagus — simple, tasty, and colorful on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to plate the salmon over a bed of lemon-infused risotto and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. Another fun trick? Serve the salmon fillets on cedar planks — they add a subtle smoky note and look impressive with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. I find salmon stays moist for about 2 days when refrigerated properly—just be sure to keep it cold and covered to avoid drying out.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze cooked salmon because it can lose texture, but if you want to, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Try to consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To keep that lovely flaky texture, I like to reheat salmon gently in the oven at 275°F wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to dry out the fish quickly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe?

You absolutely can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before you start cooking. Pat it dry well to avoid excess moisture, as that can prevent proper browning and texture.
What if I don’t like Dijon mustard?

No worries! You can swap it for a little honey or maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness that balances the lemon and herbs nicely. The Dijon just adds a gentle tang, but the recipe is flexible.
How do I know when salmon is done baking?

Look for the flesh to become opaque and easily flake with a fork. If you have a thermometer, aim for 145°F when inserted into the thickest part. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender.
Can I add other herbs besides parsley?

Definitely! Fresh dill, thyme, or basil work wonderfully and will create different but equally delicious flavor profiles. Feel free to experiment based on what you love and have available.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s consistently delicious and comes together so easily. I’ve served it many times to friends, and it always gets compliments — especially since it looks elegant but takes no fancy technique. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find it as satisfying and comforting as I do. Trust me, once you get this down, baked salmon nights will become your favorite.