Oven-Baked Salmon with Citrus and Fennel

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets baked with fresh fennel and bright citrus slices, delivering a light and flavorful Whole30 seafood entrée. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb, medium, thinly sliced orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and spread evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) on top of the fennel bed. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle 1 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves evenly over the fillets.
  3. Step 3: Top each fillet with alternating thin slices of 1 medium orange and 1 medium lemon.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and fennel is tender.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill over the salmon and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Salmon with Citrus and Fennel take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Oven-Baked Salmon with Citrus and Fennel?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Salmon with Citrus and Fennel?

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 Oven-Baked Salmon with Citrus and Fennel 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.

Is Oven-Baked Salmon with Citrus and Fennel whole30?

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

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