Lemon Herb Baked Salmon

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an over head view of a baking sheet with a whole salmon fillet wrapped in foil with fresh rosemary and lemon slices on top

I love fresh, healthy meals that are quick & easy and taste amazing. Enter, my newest obsession, Lemon Herb Baked Whole Salmon! The butter, fresh herbs, and citrus give this salmon a bright, creamy burst of flavor in every bite. Served with a side of greens, this dinner is full of nutrients and super filling.

What Makes This Recipe Great

The weather is warming up, which means activities and events, and summer fun is fast approaching! I am always trying to think of nutritious, quick & easy meals that are fresh, flavorful, and can be thrown together without much prep. This baked whole salmon recipe is exactly that. In just 30 minutes- 10 minutes for prep, 20 minutes to cook, and you’ll have yourself a beautiful lemon herb salmon dinner for the whole family!

whole salmon fillet wrapped in foil with fresh rosemary and lemon slices on top

How to Make This Recipe

Ingredient Notes

  • Salmon Fillet: Whole salmon, around 3 pounds.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Fresh herbs are best for this recipe, as they bring out the amazing flavor.
  • Lemon: Cut your lemon into slices, rather than wedges.
  • Butter: Soften to room temperature. Use ghee or vegan butter for non-dairy alternatives.
  • Garlic: Mince your own garlic or use minced garlic from a jar.
  • Parsley: Use fresh parsley for this recipe.
  • Salt & Pepper: Use to taste.
a closeup photo of two forks cutting the flesh of baked salmon

Step by Step

  1. Prep Work: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet Pan with aluminum foil.
  2. Make the Lemon Herb Butter: In a medium mixing bowl add the butter, herbs, garlic, and salt/pepper. Mix together. You can also melt the butter mixture in a saucepan if you want to make it easier to spread on the salmon before cooking.
  3. Coat the Salmon: Coat the foil with baking spray, then place the salmon on top. Add the herb butter mixture either at room temp or melted over the top of the salmon fillet. Add rosemary sprigs and lemon slices over the top.
  4. Bake: Gently tent the salmon with foil and bake and bake for about 18-20 minutes. At the 18-20 minute mark, turn the oven to broil for 2 minutes, browning the top. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
  5. Serve: Cut into portioned pieces and serve with fresh greens. Enjoy!
a white plate with a slice of salmon and salad with a silver fork

Best Salmon Side Dishes

I served my baked whole salmon with a side of greens, however, here’s a list of the best salmon side dishes. Take your pick!

Roasted Potatoes & Asparagus

The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Sauteed Zucchini & Squash

Easy Kale Salad

a white plate with a slice of fish and salad with a silver fork

Tips & FAQs

What temperature do I bake the whole salmon on?

For this recipe, I set my oven to 375 F and bake for 18-20 min. I then broil for a minute or two to finish it off.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or over the stovetop for the best quality.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Make some fresh lemon herb butter if your Salmon needs some fresh flavor.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! There are just 1.5 net carbs per serving, 50 grams of protein, and about 14 grams of fat. This is a super macro-friendly keto meal!

a white plate with a slice of fish and salad with a silver fork

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Lemon Herb Baked Salmon

By: Ashley McCrary
This baked whole salmon recipe is an easy, healthy, 30-minute meal. Topped with lemon herb butter, this salmon is melt-in-your-mouth good!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients  

  • 1 whole salmon fillet 3 pounds
  • 3-4 fresh sprigs of rosemary
  • 1 lemon sliced*
  • 3 tablespoons butter* room temp
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet Pan with aluminum foil.
  •  In a medium mixing bowl add the butter, herbs, garlic, and salt/pepper. Mix together. You can also melt the butter mixture in a saucepan if you want to make it easier to spread on the salmon before cooking.
  • Coat the foil with baking spray, then place the salmon on top. Add the herb butter mixture either at room temp or melted over the top of the salmon fillet. Add rosemary sprigs and lemon slices over the top.
  • Gently tent the salmon with foil and bake and bake for about 18-20 minutes. At the 18-20 minute mark, turn the oven to broil for 2 minutes, browning the top. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
  • Cut into portioned pieces and serve with fresh greens. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to sub ghee for the vegan butter for Whole30

Equipment

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @healthylittlepeach or tag #healthylittlepeach!

About Me

Mother, wife, cookbook author, recipe creator an open book

Welcome to Healthy Little Peach. I’m Mac, the lady behind the recipes. I believe in living a healthy lifestyle that consists of a mix of healthy whole foods, and full-fat comfort meals. Life is too short not to enjoy good food while maintaining a healthy body and mind. Here you will find gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, and even full-fat comfort recipes. Let’s have fun in the kitchen together!

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