Description
A foolproof, healthy, and flavorful baked salmon recipe featuring bright lemon and fresh dill. Ready in just 20-25 minutes with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds salmon fillets (center-cut preferred)
- 2 medium fresh lemons (one for juice, one for slices)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on the prepared baking sheet and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, juice of one lemon, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Add lemon zest if using.
- Drizzle the lemon dill mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
- Slice the second lemon into thin rounds and arrange them on top of the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque but still moist.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Spoon remaining pan juices over the top and garnish with extra dill if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook the salmon; it continues to cook slightly after removal from the oven. For best results, use fresh dill and fresh lemon juice. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning. To prevent garlic from burning, ensure it is well dispersed in the oil mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 34
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy fish recipe, quick meals, gluten-free, dairy-free option