Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A show-stopping whole salmon roasted with aromatic herbs, garlic, and lemon, served with a simple pan sauce for an elegant yet effortless dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30) ready in about 55 minutes pairs whole salmon, olive oil, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat salmon dry inside and out with paper towels. Rub 2 tbsp olive oil inside the cavity and over skin. Season generously with 1.5 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Stuff cavity with half the lemon slices, 1 tbsp rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme, and all minced garlic. Arrange remaining lemon slices and herbs on top of salmon.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 25-30 minutes until skin is crisp and salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 125°F/52°C for medium).
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest 10 minutes. Pour pan drippings into a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup white wine, and simmer 5 minutes to reduce by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and remaining 1 tbsp rosemary. Pour sauce over salmon and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon Garlic?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon Garlic whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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