Name: Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 filets; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil, or vegetable oil; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced, pressed, or grated; 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked; 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together quicker than you can decide what to watch on Netflix, you’ll love this Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe. It’s honestly one of my go-to meals when I want something impressive yet effortless. Juicy salmon fillets get a tangy, garlicky hit of lemony goodness that brightens every bite—perfect for tossing together any night of the week.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, Fresh Ingredients: The combo of fresh lemon, garlic, and parsley gently boosts the salmon’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Quick Cooking Time: Baking at 450°F gives you perfectly flaky fish in just 12-15 minutes—no babysitting required.
No Marinating Necessary: The marinade is brushed right before baking, so you don’t have to wait or plan ahead.
Balanced Seasoning: A touch of Dijon mustard and a hint of black pepper add depth without fuss.

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon, Lemon Garlic Salmon, Easy Salmon Dinner, Healthy Salmon Recipes, Quick Salmon Main Course - Four cooked salmon fillets lie side by side on a baking tray with a slightly browned surface. Each salmon fillet is light pink with a moist and soft texture, sprinkled with small green herb pieces on top. A thin, round lemon slice with pale yellow color and visible seeds rests on each fillet. The background shows the textured baking tray with some scattered oil and browned bits. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that marry beautifully. Each one plays its role—giving bright, herby, tangy, and savory notes that bring the salmon to life. When shopping, go for the freshest salmon you can find, preferably wild-caught, and fresh lemons that give plenty of juice and fragrance.

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon, Lemon Garlic Salmon, Easy Salmon Dinner, Healthy Salmon Recipes, Quick Salmon Main Course - Flat lay of fresh pink salmon fillets with skin on, a small pile of finely chopped bright green parsley, three whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, and four thin lemon rings with bright yellow rinds arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillet: Fresh, thick fillets with skin on are best for juicy results and easy handling.
Fresh parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous pop that lifts the dish.
Extra light olive oil: Or vegetable oil works great to keep flavors bright without heaviness.
Fresh lemon juice: The key to that zesty, bright flavor that wakes up every bite.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced or grated garlic infuses the fish with savory depth.
Dijon mustard: Adds a mild tang and brings all flavors together.
Fine sea salt: Enhances everything without being metallic or harsh.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked for just the right kick.
Lemon slices: For garnish and a touch of citrus aroma while baking.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe is. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or swap fresh parsley for dill when I’m feeling fancy. You can easily customize it to suit your pantry or your mood, and still end up with a delicious meal every time.

Variation: I once added capers and a splash of white wine to the marinade, which gave the salmon a bright briny lift—a total crowd-pleaser!
Dietary modification: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly, perfect if you’re avoiding certain ingredients.
Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a little heat without overpowering the garlic and lemon.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Salmon

I always preheat the oven to 450°F first—high heat is key here for a nicely baked exterior without drying the fish. While it warms up, I line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, then arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down. Having the skin on helps keep the fish moist while baking and makes flipping easier if you want to pan-sear later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade

In a small bowl, I stir together fresh parsley, minced garlic, extra light olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. It smells amazing at this point—the garlic and lemon really come alive. You want a balance between tangy and savory with enough oil to coat the fillets evenly.

Step 3: Brush and Garnish

Instead of marinating for hours, I brush the marinade generously over the top and sides of the salmon fillets right before baking. Then, I place one thin lemon slice on each piece—this adds a gentle citrus aroma while the fish cooks. Pro tip: Don’t marinate ahead; the lemon juice can ‘cook’ the salmon and make it tough if left too long.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the salmon, uncovered, at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye after 12 minutes and start checking for flakiness by gently poking the thickest part with a fork. If you have an instant-read thermometer, aim for 145°F internal temperature. Remember, salmon continues cooking for a bit once out of the oven, so stop just as it becomes opaque and separates easily.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh garlic—it transforms the dish from good to unforgettable.
Don’t Overbake: It’s tempting to cook longer “just to be safe,” but salmon dries out quickly. Check early and trust the thermometer.
Skin-side Down: Baking the salmon with the skin down helps retain moisture and gives you a nice presentation when serving.
Skip Long Marinating: Brushing the glaze just before baking keeps the salmon tender and avoids the acidity “cooking” it prematurely.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon, Lemon Garlic Salmon, Easy Salmon Dinner, Healthy Salmon Recipes, Quick Salmon Main Course - The image shows a close-up of two salmon fillets cooked with a light seasoning of herbs and small bits of garlic. Each fillet has a thin round lemon slice placed on top, adding a light yellow color contrast. The salmon is a soft pink with visible flaky texture, and the herbs add green specks all over. One fillet is being gently pulled apart with a silver fork, showing the tender inside of the fish. The background is a white marbled texture, adding a clean and bright look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

After baking, I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley or even some chopped chives over the salmon for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Fresh lemon wedges are always on the side for anyone who wants an extra zing. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving really elevates it.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. For a lighter meal, steamed green beans and quinoa make a great combo, soaking up that lemon garlic sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I sometimes plate the salmon over a bed of lemon-infused couscous, topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. Arranging lemon slices in a decorative pattern around the fish makes it look restaurant-worthy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, pop the salmon into an airtight container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. Leftover salmon stays tasty for up to 3 days. I usually enjoy it cold in salads or gently reheated for a quick meal next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover cooked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It’s best eaten within a month for quality. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture remains surprisingly good.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Microwaving can work too but is trickier to avoid overcooking. You want it just warm, not dried out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for the Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry well to avoid steaming instead of baking, which helps maintain a nice texture and flavor.
What side dishes go best with baked lemon garlic salmon?

Great pairings include roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, simple green salads, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes. These sides complement the citrusy, garlicky flavors without overpowering the salmon.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

You can mix the marinade ahead of time, but I recommend brushing it on just before baking. Leaving lemon juice on the fish too long can begin to “cook” it and affect texture.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Look for the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily when poked gently with a fork. Using an instant-read thermometer is a great idea—aim for an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe feels like a hug on a plate—bright, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Whenever I whip it up, I’m reminded that simple ingredients prepared with a bit of care can result in something truly special. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites, too—perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without fuss.

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste