10 Healthy Simple Baked Salmon Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Salmon is one of the healthiest and most versatile proteins you can cook. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids protein and essential nutrients it’s a fantastic choice for a quick nutritious meal. Baking salmon is also one of the easiest and healthiest cooking methods—it requires minimal oil locks in moisture and delivers delicious results every time.
Below are 10 simple healthy baked salmon recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights meal prep or even elegant dinners. Each recipe is alcohol-free pork-free and designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
A classic and foolproof recipe that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lemon (juiced + slices for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl mix melted butter garlic lemon juice oregano salt and pepper.
- Place salmon on the baking sheet and brush generously with the butter mixture.
- Top with lemon slices and bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor marinate the salmon in the butter mixture for 10 minutes before baking.
2. Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Sweet tangy and packed with protein—this 5-ingredient recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Whisk together mustard honey olive oil paprika salt and pepper.
- Brush the glaze over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
Pro Tip: Broil for the last 2 minutes for a crispier glaze.
3. Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Salmon
A flavor-packed salmon recipe with Mediterranean herbs and a crispy topping.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix olive oil herbs garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper.
- Coat salmon with the mixture then press breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden and flaky.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese before baking for extra richness.
4. Pesto Parmesan Baked Salmon
A cheesy herby salmon dish that’s ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
- Spread pesto over each fillet then sprinkle Parmesan and lemon zest.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until the cheese melts.
Pro Tip: Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste.
5. Spicy Sriracha Lime Salmon
For those who love a little heat this spicy salmon is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lime (juiced + zest)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix Sriracha honey lime juice soy sauce and garlic powder.
- Brush over salmon and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Serve with avocado slices to balance the heat.
6. Garlic Herb Butter Salmon with Asparagus
A complete one-pan meal with tender salmon and crisp asparagus.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp butter salt and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Place salmon on top drizzle with remaining garlic herb butter.
- Bake for 15 minutes until salmon is flaky.
Pro Tip: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish before serving.
7. Teriyaki Baked Salmon
A sweet and savory salmon recipe with homemade teriyaki glaze.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds & green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk soy sauce honey ginger garlic and sesame oil.
- Brush over salmon and bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tip: Broil for 2 minutes for a sticky glaze.
8. Cajun Blackened Salmon
A bold spicy salmon recipe with a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub salmon with olive oil and spices.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until blackened.
Pro Tip: Serve with a cooling yogurt sauce.
9. Maple Dijon Baked Salmon
A sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix mustard maple syrup vinegar and garlic powder.
- Brush over salmon and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
10. Simple Olive Oil & Herb Salmon
The easiest most foolproof baked salmon recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt & pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drizzle salmon with olive oil herbs salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness.
Final Thoughts
These 10 simple baked salmon recipes prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. Whether you prefer garlic butter spicy Sriracha or sweet maple glaze there’s a recipe here for every taste.
Key takeaways for perfect baked salmon:
✔ Don’t overcook – 12-15 minutes is usually enough.
✔ Use high heat (375°F–400°F) for a crispy exterior.
✔ Marinate or glaze for extra flavor.
