Save An elegant flavorful salmon dish perfect for holidays or weeknights. Tender fillets are infused with fragrant herbs and bright citrus making this a showstopping yet effortless main course.
I first made this salmon for a small family gathering. Everyone loved the delicate herbal aroma and the perfectly flaky texture which has made it a regular favorite for both celebrations and weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: About 5 oz (140 g) each, skin on or off, 4 pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped)
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Lemon juice: Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Lemon wedges: Optional, for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or dill: Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- Mix the herb marinade:
- In a small bowl mix olive oil thyme garlic lemon juice salt and pepper.
- Season the salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each fillet with the herb mixture.
- Arrange and roast:
- Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet skin side down if skin-on. Roast for 12–15 minutes or until salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Save The kids love helping brush the marinade onto the salmon before it goes into the oven. Sharing this dish at our family table always feels special.
Serving Suggestions
Try pairing this salmon with roasted seasonal vegetables herbed rice or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Swaps
Substitute fresh herbs like rosemary or basil in place of thyme for a different flavor profile that is just as delicious.
Wine Pairing
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the herbal and citrus notes of this salmon perfectly.
Save This salmon dish brings brightness to any meal and is simple enough for busy nights yet impressive for guests.
Recipe FAQ
- → What herbs work best with salmon fillets?
Thyme is ideal, but fresh rosemary or basil also complement salmon perfectly for added flavor variety.
- → How do you know when salmon is cooked through?
Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. Roasting for 12–15 minutes works well.
- → Can I use skin-on salmon or should I remove the skin?
Either option works. Skin-on salmon keeps fillets moister and can be left in place or removed after baking.
- → What side dishes pair well with herb-roasted salmon?
Herbed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are excellent accompaniments for this flavorful main.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free or pescatarian diets?
Yes, all ingredients used are gluten-free and pescatarian-friendly. Always check packaged items for hidden gluten.
- → How can I enhance the citrus flavor in the dish?
Try adding extra lemon juice or a splash of orange zest to the marinade for more vibrant citrus notes.