Zesty Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Dijon herb crusted salmon revolutionizes ordinary fish into a culinary masterpiece that promises excitement for seafood enthusiasts.

Rich, tangy flavors dance across delicate salmon fillets, creating a mouthwatering experience that elevates dinner from mundane to magnificent.

Herbs and mustard combine in a vibrant coating that locks in moisture while delivering incredible depth of taste.

Professional chefs and home cooks adore this technique for its simplicity and impressive results.

The recipe requires minimal preparation yet yields restaurant-quality presentation that will surely delight dinner guests.

Crisp, golden edges hint at the succulent interior waiting to be savored by hungry diners.

Elegant yet approachable, this dish strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and comforting home cooking.

Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides a rich, omega-3 packed base for the dish with a delicate flavor profile.

• Dijon Mustard, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps create a tangy, smooth coating for the salmon.
• Dill, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add bright, aromatic notes and enhance the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent undertone that complements the fish's richness.
• Capers: Small briny bursts that add a salty, complex flavor to the dish.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, acidic notes that cut through the richness of the salmon.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the herbs and creates a smooth, spreadable marinade.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

Cooking Method for Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

Step 2: Position Salmon

Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet with skin side facing down.

Step 3: Create Herb-Dijon Coating

• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Capers

Step 4: Apply Flavorful Coating

Spread the herb-mustard mixture generously over the top and sides of the salmon fillets.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through and easily flakes with a fork when tested with a utensil.

What Makes Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon a Must-Try

• Burst with Herbal Freshness: The combination of dill or parsley with zesty lemon creates a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile that transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary dish.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking at high temperature ensures a perfectly cooked salmon that's moist inside and beautifully crusted outside, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From prep to plate, this recipe takes just 20 minutes, delivering a gourmet-style meal that's perfect for busy families or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while herbs and lemon add antioxidants and bright, clean flavors without adding unnecessary calories.

Tips for Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon

• Prevent Drying: Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels before applying marinade to ensure crispy, golden crust.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Use fresh dill or parsley for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant taste profile.
• Precise Temperature Check: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature without overcooking.
• Even Coating Technique: Spread marinade smoothly with a silicone brush for consistent flavor distribution across entire fillet surface.
• Zest Boost: Grate lemon zest directly before mixing marinade to capture maximum essential oils and brighten overall dish flavor.

How to Keep Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days. Carefully place the fish in the container without crushing the delicate herb crust.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. Cover the salmon loosely with aluminum foil to maintain its original texture and flavor.
• Quick Tip: For best results, consume refrigerated salmon within 1-2 days and avoid microwaving, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. Enjoy cold in salads or gently warmed for maximum taste and quality.

Great Sides for Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon

• Complement Creamy Flavors: Pair the tangy Dijon herb salmon with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that cuts through the richness and enhances the herb notes.
• Fresh Acidic Side Kick: Serve alongside a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the citrusy elements in the salmon's marinade and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Smooth Starch Balance: Accompany the dish with roasted fingerling potatoes or creamy risotto to absorb the herb-mustard sauce and provide a neutral base for the bold salmon flavors.
• Herbal Wine Match: Choose a light Sauvignon Blanc with grassy undertones that will complement the dill and parsley in the salmon's herb crust, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Variations to Explore

• Spicy Cajun Salmon Crust: Replace Dijon mustard with Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper, and use chopped green onions instead of dill for a bold, zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Olive Salmon: Swap capers with chopped Kalamata olives, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Asian Sesame Salmon Coating: Substitute Dijon mustard with soy sauce, add sesame oil, minced ginger, and top with toasted sesame seeds for an eastern-inspired preparation.
• Herb Garden Salmon: Use a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil instead of single herb, and incorporate some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Dijon Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Dijon herb crusted salmon combines French-inspired elegance with Pacific Northwest seafood perfection. Mediterranean herbs and zesty Dijon mustard create a luxurious coating that elevates simple salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon fillets, King, Sockeye or Coho salmon, skin off or on

Herb and Seasoning Mix:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them with the skin side facing downward to ensure even cooking.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, creamy mayonnaise, freshly chopped dill or parsley, minced garlic, fragrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and briny capers until well combined.
4. Generously coat the top and sides of each salmon fillet with the herb-infused marinade, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and can be easily flaked with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked through.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets to ensure the best flavor and texture in this recipe.
• Customize the herb blend by mixing dill and parsley for a more complex, aromatic profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
• Pat salmon dry before applying marinade to help the herb crust adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Choose Dijon mustard with whole grain for added texture and a more robust mustard flavor.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the salmon at its most tender and juicy state.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg