Print

Lemon Herb Salmon

Lemon herb salmon with creamy sauce on a white plate close up

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Lemon Herb Salmon recipe delivers vibrant flavor and essential nutrients in under twenty minutes, making healthy eating feel effortless and delicious. It is a simple, elegant dish that brings restaurant quality to your weeknight table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 lemons (one for zest and juice, one for slicing)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for added richness

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, zest and juice of one lemon, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk into a fragrant sauce.
  3. Place salmon in a shallow dish. Spoon about two-thirds of the lemon herb marinade over the fillets, rubbing it in. Marinate for 5-10 minutes.
  4. For a better crust, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear salmon presentation-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  5. Pour remaining marinade over salmon. Add thin slices from the second lemon around the fillets. Transfer to the preheated oven.
  6. Bake for 8-12 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and registers 125-130°F in the thickest part.
  7. Let salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Add a pat of optional butter to each fillet if desired.

Notes

Always pat salmon dry before seasoning for a good sear. Do not overcook; salmon continues to cook while resting. Fresh lemon zest is key for bright flavor. Leftovers can be flaked into salads or eggs.

Nutrition