Lemon Dill Baked Salmon
Tender, flaky salmon baked to perfection with bright lemon and fresh dill. This heart-healthy recipe is incredibly simple, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare and season the salmon
- Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the top of the salmon evenly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill, black pepper, and the small amount of salt over the fillet.
- Arrange the lemon slices in a single layer over the top of the salmon.
Bake the salmon
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- For best results, check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
Rest and serve
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra fresh dill if you like.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overbake the salmon! It continues to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Check it at the 12-minute mark to ensure it stays moist.
- 2For extra flavor, you can place a few sprigs of dill under the salmon fillet before baking.
- 3If you don't have fresh dill, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill, but the flavor of fresh is much brighter.
- 4Patting the salmon dry before adding oil helps the skin get a little crispier if you're using skin-on fillets.
- 5This salmon is delicious served warm or cold. Leftovers are great on top of a salad the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
Use an air fryer set to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 7-9 minutes for an even faster meal.
healthyHealthy
Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or a large green salad to increase the vegetable and fiber content of your meal.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Serve with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges. The mild flavor of the salmon is generally well-liked by children.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is one of the best sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and support brain and heart health.
High-Quality Protein
Provides essential protein necessary for muscle repair, bone health, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Excellent Source of B Vitamins
Salmon is packed with B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production, creating and repairing DNA, and reducing inflammation.
Supports Heart Health
This low-sodium preparation, combined with the healthy fats in salmon, helps manage blood pressure and supports overall cardiovascular function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This low-sodium version is particularly good for cardiovascular health.