Laura Mariano
Baked (Healthy) Salmon
This simple and healthy baked salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets with a light seasoning. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or dill (or a mix of both)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), dried thyme or dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush or drizzle the marinade evenly over the top of each fillet.
4. Bake the Salmon:
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- For extra flavor, add a few lemon slices on top of the fillets before baking.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs and additional lemon slices, if desired.
- Serve the baked salmon with your favorite healthy sides like steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Check for Doneness: Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Add Extra Flavor: You can add a sprinkle of paprika, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika for a bit of extra flavor.
- Make it Citrus-y: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving for an extra citrus boost.
This baked salmon recipe is perfect for a light and healthy dinner that’s packed with omega-3s and protein!
