This Baked Salmon recipe is juicy, flaky, and full of flavor from the zesty fresh lemon and tangy Dijon marinade. My recipe is quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, and it has been one of the most popular salmon recipes on my blog.

fillets of baked salmon in a frying pan topped with lemon slices and parsley

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According to my readers, this easy Oven-Baked Salmon has impressed in-laws, saved marriages, and has even left picky eaters smiling, so watch the video tutorial below and find out why everyone loves it.

Baked Salmon Video

Watch Natasha make Baked Salmon. It might sound intimidating, but it is so simple and flavorful, and the presentation is impressive. The marinade keeps the salmon so moist, that the fish just flakes right onto your fork with each bite.

The Best Baked Salmon Recipe

I have so many incredible baked salmon recipes on our site, from Pan-Seared Salmon to Air Fryer Salmon, but this is by far the crowd favorite. When it comes to parties and entertaining, this 20-minute roasted salmon is one of our go-to seafood recipes along with the best Fish Tacos and Creamy Shrimp Pasta.

With more than a thousand 5-star reviews and my own kids’ stamp of approval (they always ask for seconds), this Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon recipe had to grace the pages of my Cookbook! It’s safe to say that this is the recipe to try if you are new to cooking fish.

a fork cutting into baked salmon

Ingredients

The flavorful garlic, dijon, and lemon glaze is what truly sets this Baked Salmon recipe apart. This is a light and feel good salmon recipe but is definitely not lacking in flavor.

  • Salmon – 1 1/2 lb. fillet, pin bones removed. See our tips below for removing the bones and how to shop for salmon.
  • Lemon – 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings
ingredients for baked salmon including fillets of fish, lemon, pepper, olive oil, salt, dijon mustard, garlic and parsley

Pro Tip:

To remove the tiny pin bones from your salmon, run your fingers across the surface of the fillet to feel for bones. They are difficult to see, so feeling for them is the best way to locate them. Use kitchen tweezers to remove the little bones, pulling in the direction that they lie.

The Best Marinade for Baked Salmon

I am convinced this is the best marinade for seafood. It works on shrimp, Lobster Tails, Salmon Skewers, and all kinds of fish (I also snuck it onto these Chicken Legs)! The best part is – there is very little prep time and no waiting time required, just brush it on and bake.

  • Dijon Mustard – Creamy Dijon compliments the rich salmon and adds a tangy flavor
  • Fresh Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed, adds a citrusy flavor that compliments fish so well
  • Fresh Parsley – finely chopped
  • Olive Oil – Adds rich moisture to the marinade to help prevent the salmon from drying out while baking
  • Salt & Pepper – Fine sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the natural flavor of the salmon

How to Make Oven-Baked Salmon

It’s so simple to learn how to bake salmon in the oven in just a few easy steps. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for your family!

  • Prepare – Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a Silpat mat. Slice salmon into 4 portions and arrange them on the baking sheet, skin-side-down.
  • Make Marinade – In a small bowl, combine chopped parsley, pressed garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Baste – Divide the marinade evenly between the four pieces and brush over the top and sides of the salmon. Top each piece with a slice of lemon.
  • Bake – Bake at 450°F for 12-15 mins or until just cooked through and flaky.

Pro Tip:

Once the glaze is on, bake right away, otherwise the acid in the lemon juice will start to cook the fish and make it tough. Trust me, slathering the glaze on just before baking gives this dish plenty of flavor.

Should you Bake Salmon Covered or Uncovered?

Salmon cooks quickly at high temperatures. I prefer baking uncovered so it doesn’t steam cook.

How Long to Bake Salmon

Baking the salmon at a high temperature quickly roasts the exterior and seals in the natural juiciness of the salmon, making it flaky, tender, and moist. This proven roasting method always produces excellent results:

  • Time: Roast at 450°F for 12 -15 minutes
  • Internal Temperature: According to the USDA, the salmon should reach 145°F at the thickest part of the fillet on an instant-read thermometer. It also should flake easily with a fork.

Since salmon varies in size depending on species, keep an eye on your fillets towards the end of baking. Thinner fillets will roast faster while thicker fillets may take longer to bake.

baked salmon fillets on a sheet pan with lemon slices

What to Serve with Baked Salmon

Baked Salmon pairs nicely with nearly any starch (such as Mashed Potatoes, Quinoa, or Rice), vegetable, or fresh salad. Here are some of our favorites to make a complete lunch or dinner:

Baked salmon served with mashed potatoes and green beans

Storage

  • To Refrigerate: Once the salmon is cooled to room temperature, refrigerate immediately in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Tightly wrap individual cooled portions in plastic wrap and then place them into a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • To Reheat: Reheating salmon can be a delicate process so reheat “low and slow” to keep your salmon moist. Keep your oven, stovetop, or air-fryer temperature low, and slowly bring it back to temperature. I don’t recommend microwaving salmon. You can also transform leftovers into Salmon Cakes or Salmon Cobb Salad.

More of Our Best Salmon Recipes

Where are my salmon fans? Be sure to save all of these for later. Each of these salmon recipes is unique and truly excellent.

The Best Baked Salmon Recipe

4.98 from 1130 votes
four baked salmon fillets topped with lemon slices.
This juicy, flaky, Baked Salmon recipe is full of flavor with a zesty citrus and tangy dijon mustard marinade. An easy, 20-minute meal for perfectly cooked salmon every time!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment, or foil. Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side-down.
  • In a small bowl, add the marinade ingredients: parsley, garlic, oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Generously spread the marinade, brushing over the top and sides of the salmon then top each piece with a slice of lemon.*
  • Bake uncovered at 450°F for 12-15 min or until just cooked through, flaky, and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F at the thickest portion on an instant-read thermometer. Do not over-cook.

Notes

*Once the glaze is applied, bake right away or the lemon juice will start to ‘cook’ the salmon, making it tough. There is no need for lengthy marinating in this recipe, just brush on the glaze and bake. 

Nutrition Per Serving

314kcal Calories3g Carbs34g Protein18g Fat3g Saturated Fat5g Polyunsaturated Fat9g Monounsaturated Fat94mg Cholesterol388mg Sodium884mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar242IU Vitamin A13mg Vitamin C33mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
The Best Baked Salmon Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
314
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Cholesterol
 
94
mg
31
%
Sodium
 
388
mg
17
%
Potassium
 
884
mg
25
%
Carbohydrates
 
3
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
34
g
68
%
Vitamin A
 
242
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
13
mg
16
%
Calcium
 
33
mg
3
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked salmon
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 314
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.98 from 1130 votes (572 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Gayle
    June 9, 2025

    I was so excited to make this based on the ratings. We did not care for this at all. Made exactly as written and the salmon lacked flavor.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      June 10, 2025

      Hi Gayle, this is one of my most flavorful samon recipes. Did you possibly forget salt or skip any of the ingredients in the recipe?

      Reply

  • MARY
    June 9, 2025

    My family and I love this recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 9, 2025

      So happy to hear that, Mary!

      Reply

  • Lynne Curr
    June 6, 2025

    This dish is fabulous even though it’s very simple!

    Reply

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