Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon

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

Flaky salmon fillets baked with lemon and herbs until perfectly tender with a golden crust. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 24 minutes pairs salmon fillets, lemon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.6 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Zest 1 lemon and squeeze 1 tbsp juice. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Brush herb mixture evenly over salmon fillets, making sure to coat all sides. Scatter lemon slices over the top.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 12-14 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 3 minutes before serving. The salmon should have a golden-brown crust with a moist interior and bright herb flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon take to make?

Total time is about 24 minutes (10 min prep + 14 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 Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon?

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 Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon?

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 Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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