This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon is a quick, healthy, kid-friendly dinner! Fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs make the salmon super bright and flavorful- and it’s ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Baked Lemon Herb Salmon
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful salmon recipe that the whole family (even picky eaters!) will love, this is it. Tender salmon fillets are oven-baked with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a bright, zesty flavor that’s still mild enough for kids. It’s simple to prepare, quick to cook, and perfect for weeknights when you want a healthy dinner without fuss.
Why It Works for Families:
- Mild yet flavorful: Lemon and herbs add brightness without overpowering the salmon.
- Quick to prep and bake: Only 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Sweeten, spice up, or swap herbs based on your kids’ preferences.
Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
- Room-temp salmon cooks evenly: Take it out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overbake: Salmon keeps cooking slightly after you remove it from the oven. For moist fish, pull it out at 125°F–130°F.
- Line your pan: Foil or parchment makes cleanup a breeze.
- Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for tang, or a teaspoon of honey for a sweet-savory glaze.
Simple Substitutions
- Herbs: Swap parsley and dill for basil, thyme, or cilantro.
- Butter: Use additional olive oil for dairy-free.
- Salmon: Try steelhead trout, cod, or halibut fillets with the same sauce and bake time.
- Citrus: Replace lemon with orange for a softer, sweeter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked lemon herb salmon with:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted veggies (green beans, carrots, or asparagus)
- A simple side salad
This recipe also tastes great cold and makes an excellent lunch prep with mixed greens the next day!
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave on 50% power to avoid drying out.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Looking for More Kid-Friendly Fish Recipes?
Baked Lemon Herb Salmon
This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon is a quick, healthy, kid-friendly dinner- and it’s ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights!
Servings: 4
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Remove salmon from the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature before baking. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy clean up.
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In a small saucepan, melt butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant (do not brown). Remove from the heat and add lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and dijon and honey (if using).
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Place salmon fillets on prepared baking sheet. Spoon the lemon herb sauce evenly over each fillet. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130 degrees.
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Remove the salmon from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices.
