Flavorful Healthy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salmon delivers both flavor and simplicity. The lemon butter sauce gives it a bright, rich finish, while fresh herbs add a touch of freshness. It’s easy enough for a casual weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s one of those meals that leaves my kitchen smelling absolutely amazing. I also appreciate how well it pairs with almost any side—from roasted vegetables to a light salad or fluffy rice.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley (or both)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: lemon slices, extra fresh herbs

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, I prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with nonstick spray or butter.

2. In a small saucepan over low heat, I melt the butter until smooth. I stir in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to brown it.

3. I add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the melted butter and stir everything together. The smell alone is enough to make my mouth water.

4. I pat the salmon fillets dry and place them skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. I drizzle half of the lemon butter sauce over the top of each piece.

5. I bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness. It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout.

6. Once out of the oven, I drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce over the fillets and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Here’s how I like to switch things up:

• I swap the lemon for lime or orange for a slightly different citrus flavor.

• I use a mix of herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme for more complexity.

• When I want extra flavor, I sprinkle a bit of paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the salmon before baking.

• I sometimes add thinly sliced lemon or even cherry tomatoes to the baking dish to roast alongside the fish.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the salmon gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or in the microwave on low power, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. I also like flaking the leftover salmon into salads, pasta, or wraps for an easy second-day meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking. That helps the seasoning stick and ensures it cooks evenly.

What’s the best way to tell if salmon is done?

I use a fork to check if it flakes easily and look for an opaque center. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is considered fully cooked.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

No, I’ve used dried herbs in a pinch. I usually go with 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley or dill when I don’t have fresh on hand.

What should I serve with this salmon?

I love it with roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a simple arugula salad. It’s also great alongside couscous, quinoa, or a scoop of mashed potatoes.

Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make the sauce earlier in the day and just reheat it gently before serving. It holds its flavor well as long as it’s not overheated.

Conclusion

Flavorful Healthy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is one of those reliable, beautiful meals that never fails me. It’s quick to make, delicious every time, and feels like a little bit of luxury without a lot of work. Whether I’m cooking for one, for family, or for a dinner party, this dish always earns rave reviews—and best of all, it’s as good for me as it is delicious.

Flavorful Healthy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

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This baked salmon recipe with lemon butter sauce is the ultimate easy, healthy, and delicious dinner idea. With fresh citrus and a rich, buttery glaze, it’s a foolproof favorite for any night.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Baking, Roasting
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

3 tbsp unsalted butter

2 fresh lemons (juiced, plus zest of 1)

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing baking dish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).

Stir in fresh lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper to make the lemon butter sauce.

Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle half of the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.

Bake salmon for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Remove from oven, drizzle with the remaining lemon butter sauce, and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.

Serve warm with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Swap lemon with lime or orange for a citrusy twist.

For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the lemon butter sauce for 15 minutes before baking.

Let the salmon rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.