Description
This Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets bursting with fresh lemon, garlic, and herb flavors. Perfectly baked in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal ideal for a healthy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (or just a pinch if using finely ground black pepper)
- Thinly sliced lemon, from ½ lemon (for topping)
Seasoning & Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend (or Herbs de Provence, or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Thinly sliced lemon from remaining ½ lemon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking pan to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Season salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Generously season each fillet with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Make lemon herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and juice of half a lemon. Stir well to blend all the ingredients.
- Coat salmon: Spoon the lemon and herb mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. Using the back of the spoon or your fingers, rub the mixture thoroughly over the tops and sides of the fillets to ensure no dry spots remain.
- Add lemon slices: Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and place a slice on top of each salmon fillet. This adds a bright citrus aroma and presentation flair.
- Bake salmon: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Optionally, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end for a lightly browned finish.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a healthy and delicious meal.
Notes
- This is the very Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon! Full of delicious lemon and garlic flavors.
- Baked to flaky, tender perfection and on the table in just 25 minutes including prep time.
- Broiling the last minute or two adds a nice golden finish but is optional.
- Feel free to swap Italian herbs for your favorite dried herb blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 306 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 366 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg
