Easy Baked Salmon Recipe for Busy Weeknights

This easy baked salmon recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want something fast, healthy, and delicious. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish delivers perfectly flaky salmon every single time. Whether you’re planning an easy salmon dinner, searching for a reliable healthy salmon recipe, or need a dependable quick salmon meal, this one never fails. Baked right in the oven, this salmon oven recipe works beautifully with any salmon fillet recipe you have on hand. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and ideal for anyone who wants a stress-free dinner without sacrificing taste.

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Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2–4

Ingredients List

  • 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon slices (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the salmon
    Place salmon fillets skin-side down. Brush with olive oil.
  3. Season
    Sprinkle garlic, paprika, herbs, salt, and pepper evenly over each fillet.
  4. Bake
    Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork 🍋
  5. Serve
    Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Pro Tips

  • Avoid overbaking to keep salmon moist
  • Use a thermometer (145°F internal temp) for accuracy
  • Swap spices to match your taste preferences
  • Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad
  • Leftovers are perfect for salmon bowls or wraps

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 fillet35034g2g21g0g0g

Disclaimer

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Please consult a nutrition professional for personalized dietary advice

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Easy Baked Salmon Recipe for Busy Weeknights

This easy baked salmon recipe is healthy, flaky, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • paprika
  • dried herbs (e.g. thyme or parsley)
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • lemon juice

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheet
  • brush or spoon
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Season salmon fillets.
  3. Bake for 12–15 minutes.
  4. Serve with lemon and herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 34gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 750mgVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

This easy baked salmon recipe proves that healthy dinners don’t have to be complicated. Simple, fast, and dependable, it’s a go-to meal you’ll love making again and again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before baking.

How do I know salmon is fully cooked?

It should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.