Dinner

Easy Garlic Herb Baked Salmon Recipe

ByThomas Greene October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Garlic Herb Baked Salmon is a delicious and healthy dinner option that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Infused with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic, it delivers vibrant flavors with minimal effort—perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.

A cooked pink salmon fillet lies in the center of a round white plate, topped with two thin yellow lemon slices that have charred grill marks and small green herb bits scattered on the fish. Below the salmon, several green grilled asparagus spears with dark grill marks and a juicy texture stretch across the bottom of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred aluminum tray in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 whole salmon filet
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 lemon (thinly sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Place the whole salmon filet onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the salmon, spreading it to cover the surface. Arrange lemon slices on top of the fish.
Step 4: Fold the sides and ends of the aluminum foil up and pinch them together to create a sealed packet around the salmon.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a few capers to the herb mixture before baking.
Try substituting fresh dill or thyme for the basil and oregano to change up the flavor profile.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
If you prefer, bake the salmon uncovered for a slightly crispier top, but watch carefully to avoid drying out.

Storage

Store any leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave until just heated through to keep it moist and tender.

How to Serve

A close-up photo shows a piece of pink cooked salmon held on the tines of a fork above a white plate with a blue inner surface. The salmon is topped with lemon slices and sprinkled with herbs and black pepper. On the plate, next to the salmon, there is a serving of green asparagus stalks. Lemon wedges and some green parsley are visible around the plate on a white marbled surface. The photo is detailed, highlighting the soft texture of the salmon and the fresh pulled-apart flakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole filet?

Yes, individual salmon fillets work perfectly with this recipe. Adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.

Is aluminum foil necessary for baking?

Using foil helps keep the salmon moist and traps the flavors during baking, but you can bake uncovered if you prefer a firmer texture. Just be sure to watch the cooking time closely to prevent drying out.