Zesty Citrus-Kissed Baked Salmon Recipe

When summer evenings call for a light and zesty baked salmon with lemon that melts in your mouth, this recipe promises pure culinary magic.

Fresh salmon fillets shine with bright citrus notes and simple seasonings.

The delicate fish absorbs every hint of tangy lemon and herb flavor.

Each bite delivers a perfectly cooked, flaky texture that feels both elegant and effortless.

Herbs like dill and parsley complement the natural richness of the salmon.

A quick marinade ensures maximum flavor infusion without complicated steps.

Serve this dish straight from the oven for a restaurant-quality meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Baked Salmon with Lemon

• Salmon Fillet: Fresh, ocean-caught salmon ensures rich flavor and tender texture; choose bright, firm pieces with minimal fishy smell.
• Olive Oil: Helps create silky marinade and promotes even cooking; select extra virgin for robust taste.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds deep, tangy undertone to enhance salmon's natural richness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens dish and tenderizes fish; freshly squeezed provides zestiest flavor.

• Salt: Draws out salmon's natural flavors and balances overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic depth to the marinade.

• Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt: Provides creamy, luxurious base with tangy undertone; choose full-fat versions for richness.
• Fresh Dill: Delivers bright, herbaceous notes that complement seafood perfectly.
• Garlic: Infuses sauce with pungent, warming complexity.

• Tomatoes: Adds vibrant, juicy texture and natural sweetness.
• Red Onion: Introduces sharp, crisp bite and colorful contrast.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, clean herbal notes to salsa.

Tools for Cooking Baked Salmon with Ease

• 9×13 baking dish: Perfect for evenly spreading marinades and baking salmon.
• Whisk: Essential for blending oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowls (2): Needed for preparing dill sauce and salsa separately.
• Fork: Great for checking salmon's doneness and flaking fish.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and sauce ingredients.
• Baking sheet (optional): Alternative to baking dish if using large salmon fillet.
• Cutting board: For any ingredient prep and chopping fresh ingredients.

Instructions for a Flaky Salmon Dinner

• Flavor Preparation

Create a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh lemon juice with your favorite seasonings in a baking dish.

• Salmon Coating

Gently place salmon in the marinade, ensuring every inch gets a delicious bath of flavors. Let it rest and absorb the goodness for up to 30 minutes.

• Dill Sauce Magic

Whip up a creamy dill sauce by mixing ingredients in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to your taste and pop it in the refrigerator to chill.

• Fresh Salsa Creation

Chop and combine vibrant ingredients for a bright, refreshing salsa. Refrigerate to let the flavors mingle.

• Oven Transformation

Heat the oven to 400°F. Slide the salmon into the hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until it flakes beautifully with a fork.

• Delightful Serving

Plate the salmon and generously top with cool dill sauce and fresh salsa. Squeeze extra lemon for a zingy finish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Lemon Sauce Ideas and Roasting Tips

• Opt for wild-caught or farm-raised salmon, and play with different cuts like sockeye, king, or Atlantic to discover your favorite texture and taste.
• Prepare the salmon marinade and sauces ahead of time, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Swap the salsa with Mediterranean-inspired chopped cucumber and feta, or try an Asian-inspired ginger-soy glaze to take your salmon on a culinary world tour.
• Complement the rich salmon with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to enhance the overall dining experience.

How to Serve Salmon for a Balanced Meal

• Lemon Zest Garnish: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the baked salmon to enhance the citrusy flavor and add a bright, aromatic touch to the dish.
• Mediterranean Plate Companion: Serve the salmon alongside a colorful Mediterranean-inspired salad with mixed greens, cucumber, feta cheese, and a light olive oil dressing.
• Herb-Infused Rice Pairing: Create a delightful side of herbed basmati or jasmine rice to complement the salmon's delicate texture and lemon-infused marinade.
• Crisp White Wine Match: Pair this baked salmon with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to elevate the dining experience and balance the dish's flavors.

Fridge Tips for Leftover Salmon Storage

• Smart Portioning: Divide salmon into individual servings before refrigerating to simplify quick meal prep and grab-and-go lunches during busy weekdays.
• Chilled Freshness Window: Store leftover salmon in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum 2-3 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture without compromising food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap cooled salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.
• Temperature Revival Trick: Reheat refrigerated salmon in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain delicate fish texture and prevent rubbery results.

Succulent Baked Salmon with Lemon Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent baked salmon with lemon delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with zesty herbal notes. Delicate fish paired with citrus creates an elegant meal seasoned perfectly for home chefs seeking simple yet sophisticated dinner options.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 (6 oz/170 g) wild salmon fillets or 1 wild Alaskan salmon fillet
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (nonfat)
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise (nonfat)
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• 1 minced garlic clove
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 3 tbsps kalamata olives (or regular), halved
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• 2–3 tbsps crumbled feta
• ½–1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, minced
• ½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings directly in a baking dish or foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Salmon Coating: Immerse salmon in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage by thoroughly coating the fillet.
3. Flavor Infusion: Brush remaining marinade across the salmon’s surface to maximize taste potential.
4. Sauce Creation: Whisk dill sauce ingredients in one bowl, simultaneously combine fresh salsa components in another. Refrigerate both to preserve their vibrant flavors.
5. Temperature Calibration: Preheat oven to 400°F, establishing an optimal cooking environment for the salmon.
6. Positioning and Roasting: Arrange salmon in a single layer, ensuring even heat distribution. Roast for 12-15 minutes until fish becomes delicately flaky.
7. Doneness Check: Gently test with a fork – salmon should effortlessly separate into tender segments.
8. Presentation: Plate the salmon, accompanied by chilled dill sauce and fresh salsa. Finish with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Let salmon sit in marinade for 30 minutes to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize the fish.
• Check Salmon Doneness Carefully: Use fork test to ensure salmon is perfectly cooked without becoming dry – fish should flake easily but remain moist.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Maintain exact 400°F oven temperature for optimal salmon texture and even cooking throughout the fillet.
• Sauce Preparation Tip: Refrigerate dill sauce and salsa beforehand to preserve fresh flavors and create a cool contrast with warm salmon.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg