Lemon Garlic Salmon is a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that brings the zest of fresh lemons and the warmth of garlic right to your dinner table. Imagine tender, flaky salmon fillets marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, minced garlic, and a hint of honey for sweetness, then baked to perfection. This delightful recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Serve it alongside a colorful medley of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a wholesome meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Dive into this culinary joy!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Lemon Garlic Salmon
Equipment
- 1 baking dish For marinating and baking the salmon.
- 1 small bowl For mixing the marinade.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Salmon A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil To keep the salmon moist.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley For garnish.
- to taste Salt Enhances flavor.
- to taste Pepper Adds a subtle kick.
- 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup Natural sweetener to balance acidity.
Instructions
Preparation
- Collect fresh salmon fillets, garlic, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish!
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let it warm up while you prepare the salmon.
Prepare the Marinade
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Marinate the Salmon
- Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them sit for about 15 minutes.
Bake the Salmon
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and Serve
- Once done, remove from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful meal!
Notes
Nutrient | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Fat | 20g |
Protein | 30g |
Carbs | 5g |
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Salmon
- It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- The zesty lemon and garlic flavors will brighten your dinner table.
- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a heart-healthy choice.
- This recipe is versatile—pair it with your favorite veggies or grains.
- It’s a delightful way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort!
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category: | Main Dish |
Cuisine: | American |
Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
Total Time: | 25 minutes |
Dietary: | Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free |
Serves: | 4 |
Best Served: | With steamed vegetables or rice |
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Salmon fillets – a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, perfect for a healthy meal.
- Garlic – adds a robust flavor and has numerous health benefits.
- Lemon juice – brightens the dish and enhances the salmon’s natural flavors.
- Olive oil – helps to keep the salmon moist and adds healthy fats.
- Fresh parsley – provides a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Pepper – adds a subtle kick to the overall taste.
- Honey or maple syrup – a natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the lemon.

Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Lemon Garlic Salmon
Get ready to whip up a delicious Lemon Garlic Salmon that will make your taste buds dance!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect fresh salmon fillets, garlic, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish!
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let it warm up while you prepare the salmon.
Step 3: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them sit for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once done, remove from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful meal!

Pro Tips for Making the Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes to enhance the lemon and garlic infusion.
- For a crispy skin, sear the salmon skin-side down in a hot pan before baking.
- Experiment with herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Serve with a side of steamed asparagus for a vibrant touch.
- Pair with fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.
- Accompany with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Drizzle with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
- Enjoy with roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory combo.
- Serve alongside a creamy avocado dip for a delightful twist.
- Garnish with lemon wedges for a pop of color and zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Proper storage ensures your Lemon Garlic Salmon stays fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftovers
Follow these steps to store your leftovers:
- Allow the salmon to cool to room temperature.
- Place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
To freeze your Lemon Garlic Salmon:
- Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best texture and taste when reheating:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place salmon in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
FAQs
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Salmon?
Lemon Garlic Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad. These options complement the flavors while keeping the meal light and healthy.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen salmon works well, just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help achieve even cooking and maintain the salmon’s delicious texture.
How can I adjust the garlic flavor?
If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, feel free to reduce the amount used in the recipe. You can also substitute with garlic powder for a milder taste, or add it gradually until you reach your desired flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just marinate the salmon for a few hours before cooking for the best flavor. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
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