Classic
Restaurant-perfect copycat
American dinner

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.

Prep: 12 minCook: 15 minTotal: 27 minServes 4378 cal

Health Scores

Gut Health9/10
Anti-Inflammatory9/10
Blood Sugar Control9/10

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. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack to the middle position.

  2. 2

    Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels to promote even cooking and browning.

  3. 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. 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. 5

    Whisk together the minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl until well combined.

  6. 6

    Place one salmon fillet skin-side down onto the oiled center of each parchment sheet.

  7. 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. 8

    Divide the garlic-herb mixture equally among the four fillets, spreading it gently across the top of each one.

  9. 9

    Layer the lemon slices and onion slices on top of each fillet, distributing them evenly.

  10. 10

    Pour 1 tablespoon of white wine or broth around each fillet, and dot the top with 1/2 tablespoon of butter.

  11. 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. 12

    Place all four packets seam-side up on a large baking sheet.

  13. 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. 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. 15

    Serve immediately with roasted vegetables or a light green salad if desired.

Variations & Substitutions

IngredientSubstituteNotes
Unsalted butterGhee or avocado oilBetter fat profile for inflammation reduction and easier digestion
Dry white wineLemon juice or bone brothRemoves alcohol content and adds probiotic benefits with broth for gut health
Fresh dill and parsleyFresh thyme and oreganoMediterranean herbs offer additional anti-inflammatory compounds
Dijon mustard with honeyPure Dijon mustard only or whole grain mustardReduces added sugars while maintaining probiotic mustard benefits
Yellow onionSliced scallions or fennel bulbScallions are easier to digest; fennel aids digestion and reduces bloating

Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 4)

Calories378
Total Fat21g
Saturated Fat4g
Cholesterol92mg
Sodium305mg
Carbohydrates3g
Fiber1g
Sugar1g
Protein42g