Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
A simple, elegant baked salmon recipe featuring bright lemon, fresh dill, and garlic. Perfectly flaky and ready in under 20 minutes, it's a healthy and delicious main course for any night of the week.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare salmon.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel.
TIPPatting the salmon dry helps the seasoning mixture adhere better and promotes a nicer texture.Make the lemon dill mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, juice from half of the lemon, salt, and black pepper.
Season and top the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the lemon-dill mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Arrange a few thin slices from the other half of the lemon on top of each piece of salmon.
Bake the salmon.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
TIPBe careful not to overbake, as salmon can become dry quickly. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark.Serve immediately.
Carefully remove the salmon from the oven. Serve hot, garnished with a little extra fresh dill if you like.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easy cleanup, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Give each fillet enough space to ensure it bakes evenly rather than steams.
- 3You can use other herbs like fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary if you don't have dill.
- 4If using frozen salmon, make sure it is completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
This recipe is already very healthy. To reduce fat slightly, you can use 1 teaspoon of olive oil total for both fillets.
quickQuick
For an even faster meal, cook the salmon in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes until cooked through.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all your spices are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
dairy freeDairy free
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and does not require any modifications.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full.
Supports Bone Health
Salmon is a good source of Vitamin D, a nutrient that is important for calcium absorption and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, baked salmon is incredibly healthy. It's an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids which are great for heart and brain health, and essential nutrients like Vitamin D and B12.