This lemon garlic salmon is the perfect simple weeknight meal. It cooks up flaky with a light garlic and herb crust, while a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end keeps every bite bright and fresh.
Simple Salmon with Lemon
Salmon is one of those dinners I make when I want something simple and healthy in the oven and still have enough time to throw together a quick side. If I forget to thaw it, I make my baked frozen salmon instead, and if I have asparagus in the fridge, I toss it onto the pan with a little olive oil and dinner is done.
Ingredients
You only need salmon fillets, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried dill, and fresh lemon to make this recipe. The olive oil helps the seasonings coat the salmon evenly, while the garlic powder and dill add flavor without burning in the oven. You’ll squeeze the lemon over the salmon after baking for the brightest flavor.
How to Bake Simple Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Season the salmon.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, seasonings, and lemon zest. Pat dry the salmon fillets so the seasoning sticks, then place them on a lined baking sheet skin-side down. Olive oil and garlic mixture over the tops. - Bake.
Bake it in the preheated oven until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145F in the thickest part. You can also toss asparagus with a little olive oil, add it to the pan next to the salmon, and bake them together. - Finish with lemon and serve.
Remove the salmon from the oven, squeeze the lemon over the tops, and serve.
Adding the lemon juice after the salmon is baked keeps the seasoning on top while it bakes and the lemon flavor stays bright and fresh rather than muted by the oven.
Laura’s Tips for Perfect Salmon
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F in the thickest part. I always recommend using a meat thermometer because the cooking time can vary depending on how thick your fillets are.
Either works, but I prefer olive oil for this recipe because it keeps the seasoning light and lets the fresh lemon flavor shine. If you're craving a richer sauce with fresh garlic, try my Garlic Butter Salmon instead.
The white substance is called albumin, a protein that's naturally found in salmon. As the fish cooks, the protein rises to the surface. It's completely safe to eat, although cooking the salmon just until it's done helps minimize how much appears.
More Easy Salmon Recipes
If baked salmon is a go-to weeknight protein, try my baked salmon and asparagus and my baked salmon in foil.
Simple Lemon Garlic Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 lemon , zested & juiced; one more for serving
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried dill, zest from one lemon, salt, and pepper.
- Pat dry the salmon fillets to absorb any excess moisture. This helps the seasonings stick.
Bake:
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared pan. If you have skinless, the flat side goes down. Brush the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the tops of the salmon.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145F in the thickest part. Remove the baking sheet from the oven onto the counter.
Serve:
- Squeeze the lemon over the salmon just before serving and garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
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Emily says
I made this lemon garlic salmon last night. It was so simple and so good! The directions are spot on turned out perfectly cooked.
Margot says
Amazing! The recipe is super simple and the salmon turns out so delicious. Lemon and garlic are a perfect combo.