Juicy, Flavorful Baked Salmon
This Juicy, Flavorful Baked Salmon is the kind of dinner that feels both effortless and special. Tender, flaky salmon is baked until perfectly moist, then finished with simple seasonings, fresh herbs, and bright lemon for a dish that’s comforting, nourishing, and full of flavor.
The salmon in this recipe bakes up beautifully — lightly seasoned, gently caramelized on top, and finished with a glossy drizzle of pan juices that keep every bite juicy. It’s an easy, reliable dinner that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for relaxed family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Recipe
• Juicy, flaky texture that never feels dry
• Simple ingredients with big flavor
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining
• Naturally gluten-free and protein-rich
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried herb blend or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh lemon slices or wedges, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Juicy Baked Salmon
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning adhere.
Brush each fillet generously with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and remains tender in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow the salmon to rest for 2–3 minutes. Spoon any pan juices over the fillets to enhance moisture and flavor.
Finish with fresh lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect, Juicy Salmon
Avoid overbaking. Salmon is done as soon as it flakes easily — leaving it in too long will dry it out.
Let the salmon rest briefly after baking so the juices redistribute throughout the fillet.
Use olive oil generously to create the lightly glossy finish seen in the photo.
Dried herbs add depth during baking, while fresh parsley adds color and freshness at the end.
Flavor Variations
For richer flavor, substitute half of the olive oil with melted butter.
For subtle sweetness, drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the salmon before baking.
For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked salmon with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. It pairs beautifully with steamed asparagus, green beans, or a simple side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until just heated through. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.
How do I know when salmon is done?
Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).