If your weeknights feel like a juggling act—emails piling up, kids asking “what’s for dinner?” on repeat, and your stomach rumbling louder than the dishwasher—let me introduce you to your new best friend: Oven Baked Salmon. This dish is the definition of simple meets sensational. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the fancy chef hat or the stress.

Salmon is one of those magic proteins: it cooks quickly, tastes luxurious, and pairs beautifully with just about anything you’ve got in the fridge. Add in a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of seasoning, and boom—you’ve got yourself a juicy salmon recipe that makes you look like you planned dinner days in advance (even if you didn’t).

I love this recipe because it balances comfort and health. It’s a healthy salmon dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. And the best part? It requires minimal cleanup—because who really wants to spend the evening scrubbing pans when Netflix is calling?

So, tie on your apron and grab that salmon fillet. Let’s bake up something easy, delicious, and oh-so satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Salmon

It’s fast—ready in under 30 minutes.
Foolproof—no overcooked, dry salmon disasters here.
Flavour-packed with garlic, olive oil, and your favourite salmon seasoning.
Flexible—dress it up as a citrus salmon with lemon zest, or keep it classic.
Perfect for a baked fish dinner that feels special without the effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 salmon fillet (2 lb / 900 g)
2 garlic cloves, pressed or grated
2 Tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
Salt, to taste
3 Tbsp salmon seasoning (store-bought or homemade) (45 g)
1 lemon, for garnish

Step-By-Step: How to Make Oven-Baked Salmon

If you’re whipping up your own seasoning, mix the spices together first and set aside.
Pat the salmon fillet dry with a paper towel (moisture is the enemy of crisp edges). Place it on a baking sheet or deep baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in like you’re giving the salmon a mini spa treatment.
Spread the pressed garlic across the top and sides of the salmon.
Sprinkle evenly with seasoning and a pinch of salt.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake salmon for 13–16 minutes, depending on thickness. It’s done when an instant-read thermometer hits 145°F (63°C).
Remove, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, slice into portions, and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Every Time

Think of this section as me standing in your kitchen, glass of wine in hand, gently coaching you through it:

Thicker fillet? Add a couple of minutes. Thinner fillet? Take off a couple. Salmon is forgiving, but it still prefers not to be forgotten in the oven.
Lined pan = easier cleanup. Parchment paper or foil is your friend.
Garlic lover? Double it. No judgment here.
Want that restaurant-style flair? Add thin lemon slices on top before baking for a true citrus salmon vibe.
Don’t panic about white spots. If you see a little white stuff (called albumin) on the salmon, it’s totally normal—it just means the protein is doing its thing.

My Salmon Story

I’ll be honest: I used to avoid salmon because I was terrified of overcooking it. One time, early in my cooking days, I served what can only be described as “salmon jerky” to my family. My kids politely chewed, and my husband asked if we were trying a new diet. Lesson learned!

Now, this easy salmon recipe is my go-to for everything from weeknight chaos to dinner parties. I’ve even made it for my mom’s book club, and let me tell you, nothing wins over a group of wine-loving women like tender, flaky salmon fresh out of the oven.

It’s become more than a meal—it’s my trusty dinner rescue plan. And honestly, it feels like a little self-care ritual: the smell of garlic roasting, that burst of citrus at the end, and the satisfaction of pulling out a perfectly cooked fish. Bliss.

What to Serve with Oven-Baked Salmon

Here’s where the fun begins—this salmon is a chameleon. Pair it with:

Veggies: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a bright salad.
Carbs: Garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even buttery rice pilaf.
Sauces: A light dill yogurt sauce, honey mustard drizzle, or just keep it simple with more lemon.

When I want a cozy, balanced baked fish dinner, I usually do salmon with roasted sweet potatoes and a crisp cucumber salad. It’s quick, colourful, and keeps everyone at the table happy (yes, even the picky eaters).

How to Store Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers (rare in my house!), Here’s how to make the most of them:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently: Either in the oven at 275°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave at 50% power so it doesn’t dry out.
Next-day magic: Flake the salmon into salads, tuck it into wraps, or toss it into scrambled eggs for a protein boost.

Pro tip: Cold salmon straight from the fridge with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh herbs makes an incredible snack.

FAQs About Oven-Baked Salmon

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Just thaw it fully in the fridge before baking.

What’s the best seasoning for salmon?

You can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic, or go bold with Cajun spices. This recipe works with any mix.

How do I know my salmon is done?

Use a thermometer if you’ve got one—145°F in the thickest part is perfect. Otherwise, look for flaky, opaque flesh.

Can I make this into a citrus salmon?

Absolutely! Add orange or lime slices alongside lemon for a fun, zesty twist.

Is this a healthy salmon dish?

Yes—high in protein, loaded with omega-3s, and baked with heart-healthy olive oil. A win-win.

Bring It All Together

At the end of the day, this oven-baked salmon recipe is about more than just dinner—it’s about reclaiming your evening. In less than half an hour, you can go from hungry chaos to a satisfying meal that feels both effortless and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, impressing guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish is a keeper.

So next time you’re staring at your fridge wondering what magic you can pull together, remember: salmon, garlic, olive oil, seasoning, lemon. That’s all it takes. And just like that, dinner’s not only done—it’s delicious.

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Oven Baked Salmon

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Oven Baked Salmon is a quick and foolproof dinner recipe perfect for busy nights. Juicy, flaky salmon fillets are seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite blend of spices, then baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. This healthy baked fish dinner is easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

1 salmon fillet (2 lb / 900 g)
2 garlic cloves, pressed or grated
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
Salt, to taste
3 tbsp (45 g) salmon seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 lemon, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat salmon dry with a paper towel and place it on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in evenly.
Spread the garlic across the top and sides of the salmon.
Sprinkle evenly with salmon seasoning and a pinch of salt.
Bake for 13–16 minutes, depending on thickness, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63°C).
Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, slice into portions, and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness.

Use parchment or foil for easier cleanup.

Add lemon slices on top before baking for extra citrus flavor.

Albumin (white protein spots) is normal and harmless.

Great for meal prep or turning into salads, wraps, or breakfast scrambles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Plats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Oven Baked Salmon: A Foolproof Favourite for Busy Nights