Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Easy baked salmon recipe with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Healthy, anti-inflammatory dinner ready in 27 minutes using parchment packets.
Health Scores
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, 5-6 oz each, skin-on
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- Parchment paper for baking packets
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack to the middle position.
- 2
Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels to promote even cooking and browning.
- 3
Cut four 12-by-15-inch sheets of parchment paper and fold each in half to create a crease, then unfold them flat.
- 4
Brush the center of each parchment sheet with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, spreading it across an area slightly larger than your salmon fillet.
- 5
Whisk together the minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl until well combined.
- 6
Place one salmon fillet skin-side down onto the oiled center of each parchment sheet.
- 7
Season the top of each fillet evenly with salt and pepper, using about 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper per piece.
- 8
Divide the garlic-herb mixture equally among the four fillets, spreading it gently across the top of each one.
- 9
Layer the lemon slices and onion slices on top of each fillet, distributing them evenly.
- 10
Pour 1 tablespoon of white wine or broth around each fillet, and dot the top with 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
- 11
Fold the parchment paper over the salmon to create a sealed packet, then fold and crease the edges tightly to seal in all the steam.
- 12
Place all four packets seam-side up on a large baking sheet.
- 13
Bake for 14-16 minutes, until the parchment puffs up slightly and the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork at the thickest part.
- 14
Remove from the oven and carefully open the packets (watch for hot steam), then slide each fillet onto a serving plate with the accumulated juices.
- 15
Serve immediately with roasted vegetables or a light green salad if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Ghee or avocado oil | Better fat profile for inflammation reduction and easier digestion |
| Dry white wine | Lemon juice or bone broth | Removes alcohol content and adds probiotic benefits with broth for gut health |
| Fresh dill and parsley | Fresh thyme and oregano | Mediterranean herbs offer additional anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Dijon mustard with honey | Pure Dijon mustard only or whole grain mustard | Reduces added sugars while maintaining probiotic mustard benefits |
| Yellow onion | Sliced scallions or fennel bulb | Scallions are easier to digest; fennel aids digestion and reduces bloating |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 378 |
| Total Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 92mg |
| Sodium | 305mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 42g |