This simple baked whole salmon recipe features a whole salmon fillet, fresh lemon, and a generous blend of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives.
Baked salmon with fresh herbs
A classic baked salmon recipe is one that everyone should have in their back pocket. This simple dinner uses a whole side of salmon resting on lemon slices and a few sprigs of parsley. Once baked, garnish it with lots of fresh herbs and serve it with lemon. It’s an easy dish for a group or weeknight dinner, and leftovers can be used in so many ways like this salmon salad with arugula, salmon fried rice, or salmon meatballs.
What you will need
Here are the ingredients to prepare this simple recipe with baked salmon. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Salmon: whole side of wild salmon with the skin on, such as sockeye or coho
- Fresh lemons: One sliced to place on the bottom of the fish and the rest cut into wedges to garnish the fish.
- Seasoning: salt and pepper, to season
- Fresh herbs: I used fresh dill, chives and parsley. But salmon is so versatile that almost any combination of herbs would work. Rosemary, thyme and oregano would also work well.
How to Cook Salmon
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this simple recipe with baked salmon. See printable directions in the recipe card below:
- Lemons: Thinly slice one of the lemons and cut the other into wedges. Place the lemon slices in the center of a large baking tray lined with baking paper, sprinkle with parsley and drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Season: Rub the remaining oil all over the flesh side of the salmon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange the fish on top of the lemon slices. You can cook it straight away or place it in the fridge in the pan for a few hours and then cook it.
- Baking: Cook the salmon in a preheated oven at 450F for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. Salmon is cooked when tender, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Once ready, garnish the salmon with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Variations
- If you don’t have baking paper you can use cling film to clean up easily.
- Use melted butter instead of olive oil to brush the top.
- Try it with Dijon mustard and honey for a sweeter profile.
- If you have salmon fillets they will cook in less time.
How long do you cook salmon in the oven?
The length of time you cook the salmon depends on its size. For a one-pound piece of fish, roast it for 15 to 20 minutes at 450 degrees.
Serving Tips
Serve baked salmon with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice or a fresh salad. Here are some ideas for dinner:
Warehousing
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
More salmon recipes you’ll love:
Product: 6 portions
Portion: 5 ounces
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Preheat oven to 450F.
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Thinly slice 1 lemon, the second into wedges.
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Arrange the lemon slices on a large baking tray lined with baking paper in the center just below the fish.
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Top with parsley sprigs and drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
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Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil on the flesh side of the fish and rub it all over, season with salt and pepper.
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Transfer to the pan on top of the lemon slices, peel side down.
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Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the thickest part of the fish is cooked through in the center.
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Top with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Last step:
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Serve: 5 ounces, Calories: 233 kcal, Carbohydrates: 2 G, Protein: 30.5 G, Fat: 11 G, Saturated fat: 1.5 G, Cholesterol: 83 mg, Sodium: 160 mg, Fiber: 1 G