How to Make the Perfect Lemon Herb Baked Salmon
Mediterranean · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This lemon herb baked salmon is a light and elegant dairy free dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. The bright citrus and fresh herbs create a beautiful crust that keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Herb Baked Salmon recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 fillets salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole lemons, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the salmon fillets and asparagus in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Herb Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill until fully combined.
Step 3: Coat and Season
Spoon the herb marinade evenly over the salmon fillets and asparagus. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh dill → fresh parsley or tarragon for a different herbal note
- asparagus → green beans or broccolini as the side vegetable
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overbaking the salmon makes it dry, so pull it out as soon as it flakes easily
- Not patting the salmon dry before adding the marinade prevents proper browning
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 34g protein, 6g carbs, 24g fat, 1g fiber.
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