Name: Oven-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 fillets; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced, pressed, or grated; 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil or vegetable oil; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 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· 4.9 from 17 reviews

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and downright delicious, you’re going to love this Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe. It’s one of those foolproof dishes I turn to when I want something fresh and healthy without spending all evening in the kitchen. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes—yes, really! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this salmon recipe will impress your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, fresh ingredients: The lemon, garlic, and herbs bring bright, natural flavors that never overpower the salmon.
Perfect balance of tang and savory: The Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the lemon juice and parsley.
Quick cooking time: Baking at a high temperature locks in moisture without drying out the fish.
Easy cleanup and prep: Minimal hands-on time meaning you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon, lemon herb salmon, healthy salmon dinner, easy salmon recipe, quick 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

What I love about the ingredients in this Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe is how each one plays a role in bringing out fresh, summery flavors that feel light yet satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to find at any grocery store—which makes it perfect when you’re craving effortless deliciousness.

Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon, lemon herb salmon, healthy salmon dinner, easy salmon recipe, quick 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: Choose fresh, thick cuts with the skin on for the best flavor and moisture retention.
Fresh parsley: Adds a gentle herbaceous note without overpowering the fish.
Extra light olive oil: Light enough to let the lemon and garlic shine, but helps everything meld together.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the salmon.
Garlic cloves: Use fresh, minced or grated garlic for fragrant, punchy flavor.
Dijon mustard: Just a hint gives the salmon a mild tang and depth.
Fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for that little bite and aroma.
Lemon slices: They make a pretty garnish and give an extra lemony zing when baked on top.

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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 of the best things about this Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve found a few little twists that you can try to make it truly your own and keep every meal feeling fresh.

Variation: Sometimes I swap parsley for dill or basil for a different herbal note; dill especially gives a classic touch to salmon.
Spice it up: If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade for a smoky kick.
Go citrusy: Mixing a bit of orange or lime juice with the lemon juice brings an extra zesty brightness.
Garlic lovers: Feel free to increase the garlic amount for stronger flavor; just watch it doesn’t brown too much in the oven.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon Like a Pro

First, preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F. I line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment—easier cleanup and it prevents sticking, which is a lifesaver. Then lay your salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer. This keeps the skin crispy and the salmon moist as it cooks.

Step 2: Make That Magic Lemon Herb Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. The blend smells incredible—the kind of aroma that makes you hungry just stirring it. When I brush this mixture onto the salmon, I make sure to coat the top and the sides well for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Lemon Slice It Up and Get Baking

After brushing on the marinade, pop a thin lemon slice on each piece of salmon. I love how the lemon bakes into the fish, adding an extra layer of citrus flavor. Now, bake the fillets uncovered for about 12-15 minutes. When I first tried this timing, I was worried about overcooking—salmon can get dry fast! But watching the fish flake easily with a fork and checking with an instant-read thermometer for 145°F ensures it’s perfectly done, juicy, and tender every time.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Once your salmon comes out of the oven, it’s best enjoyed right away; the fresh, bright flavors are at their peak and you avoid the texture changing from sitting too long. No long marinating here, just straight to baking and straight to the table—that’s the beauty of this recipe.

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Pro Tips for Making Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same bright zing; fresh lemon brightens the whole dish.
Keep Skin On: Baking with the skin on helps hold the fillets together and seals in moisture.
Avoid Over-Marinating: Because of the citrus, brushing the glaze just before baking prevents the fish from becoming tough.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Helps you nail that perfect doneness without guessing or cutting into the fillet.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe

Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon, lemon herb salmon, healthy salmon dinner, easy salmon recipe, quick 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 usually keep garnishes simple with extra fresh parsley sprinkled on top after baking and a wedge of lemon on the side for those who like an extra squeeze. Sometimes, I add a few capers for a salty pop, which pairs wonderfully with the lemony flavors.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings for this salmon is garlic roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed in butter and lemon zest. A creamy risotto or fluffy quinoa salad also complements the rich fish perfectly. And if you’re up for something different, try serving it over a bed of herbed couscous or alongside a fresh spinach and strawberry salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the salmon fillets over a smear of lemon-infused yogurt sauce with edible flowers and thinly sliced radishes on the side. Serving family-style on a large wooden board with lemon wedges and fresh herbs sprinkled around never fails to impress guests, making dinner feel festive yet relaxed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days. When I do this, I remove the lemon slice toppings before storing because they can turn bitter and soggy.

Freezing

Though fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon if needed. I wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap then foil to avoid freezer burn. When I’ve done this, the texture is still decent after thawing, though a little softer, so I usually reserve frozen leftovers for salads or pasta dishes rather than serving as a main.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10 minutes or so, which helps keep it moist without drying out. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but tends to dry it fast, so keep it brief and cover loosely with a damp paper towel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw completely and pat the fillets dry before applying the marinade so the flavors stick well and your salmon roasts evenly.
How do I know when the salmon is done baking?

Look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside. An instant-read thermometer showing 145°F at the thickest part confirms perfect doneness—no guesswork needed!
Can I prep the marinade in advance?

You can mix the marinade ahead of time, but I recommend brushing it on right before baking. The lemon juice starts to ‘cook’ the fish if applied too early, which can affect texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe works perfectly for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe has become a staple in my home, especially when I want to whip up something that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor without fuss. It’s a dish that feels special but is easy enough to make any night of the week. I truly hope you’ll try it and find it as satisfying and effortless as I do—it just might become your go-to salmon dinner too!