Description
This Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, flaky salmon fillets infused with lemon, garlic, and Italian herbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a nutritious and delicious meal perfect for a quick dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Seasoning & Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (use just a pinch if finely ground)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend (or Herbs de Provence, or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil)
- 1 medium lemon
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 pepper to taste, ensuring even coverage for enhanced flavor.
- Make Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and the juice of half a lemon. This mixture will infuse the salmon with bright, savory notes.
- Apply Mixture and Lemon Slices: Spoon the herb and oil mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Rub it all over the top and sides of each piece so there are no dry spots. Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and place one slice atop each salmon fillet for additional aroma and appeal.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. For a slightly crispier finish, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the baked salmon with fresh thyme or parsley to add a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal.
Notes
- This recipe yields tender, flaky salmon full of lemon and garlic flavors, cooked to perfection in just 25 minutes total.
- Broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end can add a delicious golden finish without overcooking the fish.
- Feel free to swap Italian herb seasoning with Herbs de Provence or your preferred mix of dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil for varied flavor profiles.
- Use fresh lemon juice and slices to brighten the dish naturally and enhance the salmon’s flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 306 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 366 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg
