Description
This Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon fillets infused with vibrant lemon and garlic flavors. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to perfection, this dish comes together quickly and is ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (just a pinch if using finely ground black pepper)
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend (or herbs de Provence, or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil)
- 1 medium lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large baking pan. Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season them generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Mix and Apply Seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and the juice of half the lemon. Spoon this mixture over the salmon fillets, making sure to rub it all over the tops and sides so there are no dry spots.
- Add Lemon Slices: Thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon. Place a lemon slice on top of each salmon fillet to add fresh citrus flavor during baking.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If desired, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a lightly browned finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for extra color and aroma. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- This recipe makes the very Best Easy Healthy Baked Salmon—flavorful, tender, and quick to prepare, perfect for a healthy dinner in just about 30 minutes total.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice golden crust to the top if you prefer.
- Use fresh herbs when available for a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work perfectly as well.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 306 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 366 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg
