Zesty Baked Salmon with Lemon Recipe Everyone Loves

Succulent baked salmon with lemon reinvents an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Ocean-fresh fish meets zesty citrus in a harmonious dance of flavors that promises delightful textures and nutritional benefits.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can elevate a classic protein to extraordinary heights.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques infuse this dish with vibrant, clean taste profiles that feel both elegant and approachable.

Delicate fish requires careful treatment, ensuring each flaky morsel remains moist and tender throughout cooking.

Nutritionists praise salmon omega-rich composition, making this recipe a smart choice for health-conscious individuals.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction, creating a meal that impresses without demanding complex cooking skills.

Baked Salmon with Lemon That’s Light and Flavorful

• Savor Quick Gourmet Flavors: This salmon recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes, delivering maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Enjoy Perfectly Balanced Textures: The recipe creates a succulent salmon with a tender, flaky interior and a zesty marinade that adds delightful moisture and depth to each bite.
• Customize with Fresh Accompaniments: The homemade dill sauce and salsa provide vibrant, fresh companions that elevate the salmon's natural richness, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through each serving.

Ingredients for Lemon Baked Salmon

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught preferred for richer flavor and better texture, with firm flesh and bright color.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps salmon moist during baking.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and subtle tangy sweetness to the salmon.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and helps tenderize the fish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing natural salmon taste.

• Dill: Fresh herb that provides bright, aromatic flavor to complement salmon.
• Sour Cream: Creates creamy base for sauce with tangy undertone.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture to sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances creamy components.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasoning to enhance sauce flavor.

• Tomatoes: Fresh component adding color and light acidity.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, crisp flavor and texture contrast.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds green freshness to salsa.
• Lemon Juice: Helps blend flavors and adds brightness.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasoning to enhance salsa flavor.

How to Bake Salmon with Lemon Zest

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Seasonings

Step 2: Coat Salmon

Place salmon in the marinade, turning to ensure complete coverage. Brush any remaining marinade onto the fish. Let sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Create Dill Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Prepare Fresh Salsa

Combine all salsa ingredients in a separate bowl. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Heat oven to 400°F (204°C).

Step 6: Bake Salmon

Place salmon in a single layer in the baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on salmon thickness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salmon and top with chilled dill sauce and fresh salsa. Squeeze additional fresh lemon juice over the top for extra brightness.

Top Tips for Tender Baked Salmon

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let salmon sit in the olive oil mixture for up to 30 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a fork to test salmon's readiness; it should flake easily and appear opaque throughout.
• Choose Fresh Salmon Wisely: Select high-quality, bright-colored salmon fillets with firm texture for best results.
• Prevent Overcooking Tricks: Watch salmon closely during baking and remove immediately when it begins to flake to maintain moistness.
• Boost Serving Presentation: Drizzle extra fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped herbs for a restaurant-quality visual appeal.

Store and Reheat Salmon without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make salmon tough and rubbery. If using, heat in short 30-second intervals at 50% power, checking frequently to maintain texture.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Baked Salmon

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the salmon's delicate flavor and cuts through the richness, creating a refreshing balance with the lemon and dill notes.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs echoes the dish's bright flavors and provides a nutritious, protein-rich side that enhances the salmon's texture.
• Add Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus with a light char brings a green, earthy element that perfectly matches the zesty lemon and herbal dill sauce, creating a harmonious plate with varying textures and flavors.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: A palate-cleansing, citrusy dessert continues the lemony theme, offering a cool, light end to the meal that doesn't overwhelm the delicate salmon's taste.

Variations of Baked Lemon Salmon to Try

• Herbal Mediterranean Salmon: Swap balsamic vinegar with white wine and add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese after baking.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Replace current seasonings with Cajun spice blend, including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Top with sliced green onions and serve with a zesty remoulade sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Sesame Salmon: Substitute olive oil with sesame oil, add soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the marinade. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving and pair with quick pickled cucumber salad.
• Maple Dijon Salmon: Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard into the marinade for a sweet and tangy coating. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top during the last few minutes of baking for added crunch.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent baked salmon with lemon delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one elegant dish. Fresh herbs and citrus notes elevate this simple yet sophisticated seafood experience for your next memorable dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 (6 ounces/170 grams) wild salmon fish fillets OR 1 wild Alaskan salmon fillet

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Dill Sauce and Greek Salsa Ingredients:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (nonfat)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (nonfat)
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill
• 1 minced garlic clove
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 3 tablespoons kalamata olives (or regular), halved
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• 2–3 tablespoons crumbled feta
• ½–1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, minced
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and selected seasonings directly in a spacious baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Gently immerse the salmon in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage by dragging the fillet through the liquid mixture.
3. Meticulously brush any remaining marinade across the salmon’s surface for enhanced flavor infusion.
4. Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for up to half an hour while preparing accompanying sauces.
5. Craft the dill sauce by whisking ingredients together in a medium bowl, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to personal taste.
6. Simultaneously prepare the fresh salsa by combining all designated ingredients in a separate bowl.
7. Refrigerate both sauces to maintain their vibrant flavors and crisp texture.
8. Preheat the oven to a precise 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the salmon.
9. Position the salmon in a single layer within the baking dish, ensuring even heat distribution.
10. Roast the salmon for approximately 12-15 minutes, monitoring for a flaky texture and thorough cooking.
11. Verify doneness by gently testing with a fork – the fish should easily separate into delicate segments.
12. Plate the salmon and generously accompany with chilled dill sauce and fresh salsa.
13. Enhance the dish’s brightness by squeezing additional fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Notes

• Marinate salmon at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption and ensure even cooking.
• Prepare dill sauce and salsa ahead of time to let flavors meld and develop depth.
• Use a meat thermometer to check salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.
• Thicker salmon fillets may require slightly longer baking time, so adjust accordingly.
• Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the salmon.
• For best results, avoid overcooking to maintain the fish’s tender, moist texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg