Perfect Lemon and Herb Salmon Ready in 20 Min!

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Keto,

Learn how to make perfectly tender lemon and herb salmon in just 20 minutes. This simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Lemon and Herb Salmon

This lemon and herb salmon recipe is a weeknight dinner game-changer. It’s healthy, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes. The fresh herbs and bright lemon create a light, flavorful crust that keeps the salmon moist and tender.

Perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a nutritious meal without the fuss.

Ingredients for Lemon and Herb Salmon

Main Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 large lemons
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Fresh Herbs

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

 

 

How to Make Lemon and Herb Salmon

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and creates a nice texture.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Herb Mixture

Zest one lemon into a small bowl. Add the minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, and thyme. Pour in the olive oil and mix everything together.

Squeeze the juice from both lemons into the mixture. Add salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush the lemon and herb mixture generously over each fillet.

Make sure every piece gets plenty of that delicious coating. Don’t be shy with the herbs!

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Bake your lemon and herb salmon for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets.

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and slightly pink in the center.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon slices if desired.

Serve your lemon and herb salmon immediately while it’s hot and juicy.

 

 

What to Serve with Lemon and Herb Salmon

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with many sides. Try these options:

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the fresh flavors. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast. Rice pilaf, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes make excellent base options.

For a low-carb meal, serve your lemon and herb salmon over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Tips for Perfect Lemon and Herb Salmon

Selecting the Best Salmon

Choose quality salmon. Fresh, wild-caught salmon delivers the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, firm flesh with a mild ocean scent. Avoid any fish that smells overly fishy or has dull, discolored spots.

Know your salmon types. King salmon offers the richest flavor. Sockeye has a deeper red color. Coho is milder and more affordable. Atlantic salmon is farm-raised and widely available.

Check for freshness. The flesh should bounce back when pressed. Look for moist, not slimy, skin. Eyes should be clear if buying whole fish.

Cooking Techniques

Don’t overcook. Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from the oven. Take it out when it’s slightly underdone in the center. It will reach perfect doneness as it rests.

Use fresh herbs. Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh herbs create that bright, vibrant flavor this recipe is known for. Fresh dill especially makes a huge difference in this lemon and herb salmon.

Let it rest. Giving the salmon a few minutes to rest helps the juices redistribute for maximum moisture. This simple step prevents dry fish.

Room temperature matters. Take your salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the fillet.

Flavor Enhancements

Add butter for richness. Place a small pat of butter on each fillet before baking for extra moisture and flavor.

Try different citrus. Swap one lemon for lime or orange to create interesting flavor variations.

Include capers. Add a tablespoon of capers to the herb mixture for a briny, Mediterranean twist on your lemon and herb salmon.

Finish with flaky salt. A sprinkle of finishing salt like Maldon adds wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover lemon and herb salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, use a low oven temperature (275°F) for about 15 minutes. You can also enjoy it cold on salads or in sandwiches.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this lemon and herb salmon provides excellent nutrition to fuel your body.

Per Serving (1 fillet, 6 oz)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 34g
• Total Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 2,200mg
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin D: 130% of Daily Value
• Vitamin B12: 95% of Daily Value
• Selenium: 85% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 25% of Daily Value
• Potassium: 18% of Daily Value
• Iron: 8% of Daily Value

 

 

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Salmon is one of the healthiest proteins you can eat. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function and heart health.

This lemon and herb salmon recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and follows keto and paleo diets. The high protein content keeps you full and satisfied for hours.

The fresh herbs add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Lemon provides vitamin C and helps your body absorb the iron from the salmon.

Regular consumption of salmon may reduce inflammation, support weight management, and improve cardiovascular health. It’s also excellent for skin, hair, and joint health.

Common Questions About Lemon and Herb Salmon

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it extra dry before applying the lemon herb mixture.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can substitute with 1 tablespoon total of dried herbs. The flavor won’t be quite as bright, but it will still taste delicious.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Absolutely. Grill your lemon and herb salmon over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Use a fish basket or place on foil to prevent sticking.

This easy lemon and herb salmon brings healthy, flavorful eating to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a impressive meal that everyone will love. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite way to cook salmon!