Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this lemon herb salmon recipe, a perfect blend of fresh flavors and simplicity. This dish combines the rich taste of salmon with the zesty brightness of lemon and aromatic herbs. It's an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that's both gluten-free and delicious.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to check your spice rack for dried oregano and dried thyme. These herbs are essential for infusing the salmon with a fragrant, earthy flavor. If you don't have them on hand, they are readily available in the spice aisle of any supermarket. Additionally, ensure you have fresh lemon for both zest and juice to achieve that vibrant citrusy taste.

Ingredients For Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe
Salmon: A rich, fatty fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, providing a delicious and healthy protein source.
Olive oil: A heart-healthy oil that adds richness and helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking.
Lemon: Used for both zest and juice, it adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, savory depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Dried oregano: An aromatic herb with a slightly bitter taste, adding a Mediterranean flair to the salmon.
Dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthy flavor that pairs well with the other herbs and the fish.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon and other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish, balancing the flavors.
Technique Tip for Preparing This Salmon Dish
To enhance the flavor of your salmon, consider marinating it in the olive oil mixture for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the lemon and herbs to penetrate the fish more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, when zesting the lemon, be sure to only remove the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Salmon - Substitute with trout: Trout has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for this dish.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, which works well for cooking fish.
Lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, adding a fresh taste to the dish.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the herbs and fish.
Dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs well with fish.
Dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary has a robust, earthy flavor that enhances the dish's herbal notes.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt offers a more complex flavor and can enhance the natural taste of the fish.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and a slightly different heat profile, which can subtly change the dish's flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salmon Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Salmon Dish
Allow the salmon to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the salmon soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled salmon fillets in an airtight container. You can also wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each salmon fillet individually in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
For optimal freshness, consume frozen salmon within 2-3 months. This ensures the flavors remain vibrant and the texture stays firm.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the salmon.
If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw the salmon by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This low and slow method helps retain moisture and prevents the salmon from drying out.
Alternatively, you can enjoy the salmon cold, flaked over a salad, or mixed into a lemon and herb pasta for a refreshing meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the leftover salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for about 15 minutes or until the salmon is warmed through. This gentle method helps maintain the salmon's moisture and flavor.
Stovetop method: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter to the pan. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is heated evenly. This method is quick and keeps the salmon flaky.
Microwave method: Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. This is the fastest method, but be cautious as it can dry out the salmon if overheated.
Steaming method: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the salmon on a heatproof plate or in a steamer basket above the simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the salmon's moisture and delicate texture.
Essential Tools for Preparing This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the salmon fillets at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
Baking sheet: A flat surface to place the salmon fillets on, ensuring they cook evenly in the oven.
Aluminum foil: Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the salmon from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into a marinade.
Brush: Utilized to apply the olive oil mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Zester: A tool for zesting the lemon, which adds a burst of citrus flavor to the dish.
Juicer: Used to extract juice from the lemon efficiently.
Knife: Essential for mincing the garlic cloves finely.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and mincing ingredients like garlic.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the garlic and zest the lemon ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cut salmon: Purchase salmon fillets that are already portioned to save time on preparation.
Mix marinade early: Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs in advance, allowing flavors to meld.
Line baking sheet: Use aluminum foil to minimize cleanup time after baking.
Preheat oven: Start preheating the oven while preparing the marinade to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Salmon about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon zested and juiced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the olive oil mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Nutritional Value
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