A classic baked salmon recipe is one everyone should have in their back pocket. This simple dinner uses an entire side of salmon laid over lemon slices and a few sprigs of parsley. Once it comes out of the oven, top it with plenty of fresh herbs and serve with lemon. It’s an easy dish for a crowd or weeknight dinner, and leftovers can be used in so many ways, like in an Arugula Salmon Salad, Salmon Fried Rice, or Salmon Patties.
Why This Works
Everyone needs a simple recipe for making baked salmon, and this doesn’t get any easier! I often make this for dinner and use the leftovers the next day.
Your feedback is appreciated! Once you’ve tried this healthy Baked Salmon Recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below. And if you took a photo, share it with me on Instagram so I can reshare it in my Stories!
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients to make this simple baked salmon recipe. See the recipe card below for exact measurements:
- Salmon: A whole skin-on side of wild-caught salmon, such as sockeye or coho.
- Fresh lemons: One sliced to place under the fish, and the rest cut into wedges for topping.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper, for seasoning.
- Fresh herbs: I used fresh dill, chives, and parsley, but salmon is versatile, so nearly any combination of herbs will work. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano would also be good.
How to Bake Salmon
Here’s the step-by-step guide to making this easy baked salmon recipe. See the printable instructions in the recipe card below:
- Lemons: Thinly slice one of the lemons and cut the other into wedges. Place the lemon slices in the center of a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper, top with parsley, and drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Season: Rub the remaining oil all over the flesh side of the salmon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the fish on top of the lemon slices. You can bake it immediately or refrigerate the tray for a few hours before baking.
- Bake: Bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 450°F for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The salmon is done when it is tender and flakes easily with a fork, and it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Finish: Once done, top the salmon with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Variations
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use foil for easy cleanup.
- Use melted butter instead of olive oil to brush over the salmon.
- Try it with Dijon mustard and honey for a sweeter flavor profile.
- If you have salmon fillets, they’ll cook in less time.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon in the Oven?
The baking time depends on the size. For a two-pound piece of fish, roast it for 15 to 20 minutes at 450°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve baked salmon with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Here are some dinner ideas:
Storage
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Thinly slice one of the lemons and cut the second into wedges.
- Place the lemon slices on a large sheet pan lined with parchment, arranged slightly below the fish.
- Top with parsley sprigs and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the flesh side of the fish and rub it in, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon on the pan over the lemon slices, skin side down.
- Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the thickest part is cooked through.
- Top with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Final Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! Your feedback helps our business thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 233 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 30.5 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fiber: 1 g