Best Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Name: Best Oven Baked Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Savor the moist, flaky perfection of this oven-baked salmon recipe, seasoned with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends while keeping it quick and easy!

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-11T14:46:29.133Z

This oven-baked salmon recipe has become a family favorite for its simplicity and incredible flavor. The carefully balanced herbs and zesty lemon create a mouthwatering experience that everyone loves.

Healthy and Nutritious

Salmon is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Incorporating salmon into your diet can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, it is an excellent source of high-quality protein, making it an ideal choice for maintaining muscle mass and keeping your energy levels stable throughout the day.

This oven-baked salmon recipe allows you to enjoy the health benefits of salmon while keeping the preparation simple. By using fresh ingredients like lemon and herbs, you’re not just enhancing the flavor but also adding extra vitamins and antioxidants to your meal. Eating healthy never tasted so good!

Cooking Made Easy

One of the best aspects of this best oven-baked salmon recipe is its simplicity. You can have a gourmet meal on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. The minimal prep work and straightforward steps ensure you can focus more on enjoying the meal rather than scrambling in the kitchen.

Baking salmon in the oven allows for even cooking and helps to lock in moisture, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. This method eliminates the need for constant monitoring and flipping, allowing you to multitask and get other components of your meal prepared effortlessly.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or having a quiet meal at home, this oven-baked salmon recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion. You can easily dress it up by serving it with a sophisticated side like asparagus or a light salad, or keep it casual with steamed vegetables. The lemon and herb seasoning offers a fresh taste that appeals to both gourmet palates and everyday diners alike.

Moreover, this recipe allows for many variations. Feel free to customize the seasoning or add your favorite toppings, such as capers or dill. This flexibility makes it a great go-to recipe that you'll want to come back to again and again!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the salmon:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Season the Salmon

Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Top with lemon slices.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Results

To achieve the best results with your salmon fillets, opt for fresh, high-quality salmon. Look for fillets that are bright in color, firm to the touch, and free from strong odors. If buying frozen, make sure to thaw it properly for even cooking. Additionally, consider marinating the salmon for added flavor, but even with the simple seasoning in this recipe, you’ll achieve delicious results.

Another key to perfect oven-baked salmon is not to overcook it. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, which typically takes around 15-20 minutes at 400°F. Using a meat thermometer can also help; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked, tender salmon.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your oven-baked salmon with a side of quinoa or brown rice. These grains pair beautifully with the lightness of the fish and add an additional element of nutrition to your plate. Fresh steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans can also be a great addition, providing a splash of color as well as crunch.

You can elevate the presentation by garnishing your salmon with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and a wedge of lemon on the side. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but will also add brightness when squeezed over the salmon just before eating.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, storing your oven-baked salmon is easy. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, try to preserve the moisture by using low heat in the oven or microwave, covering it with a damp paper towel.

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, leftover salmon can be used creatively in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. Its versatility means you can whip up a quick meal using whatever you have on hand, preventing waste and offering you yet another flavorful dining option!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before baking.

→ What can I serve with this salmon?

It pairs well with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.