Super Simple Baked Salmon

This easy baked salmon is tender, flaky, and lightly seasoned. Ready to eat in about 30 minutes, it turns out perfect every time for a versatile protein source to add to all your favorite meals and it only takes a few simple ingredients to make.

this recipe

I am so excited to bring you another post in our All the Healthy Things “Just the Basics” series. These posts are focused on helping you master basics in the kitchen and, hopefully, inspiring you with a few new ideas along the way.

If you are new to cooking, or just need a refresher on the basics, these posts are designed to help you feel more confident in the kitchen. Once you have a handle on a few basic concepts and techniques, you can easily build upon them to create new and exciting recipe dishes without a second thought.

If you have ever wondered how some people just seem to know how to cook without a recipe or can quickly throw together a meal in a moment’s notice, it’s likely because they have a good grasp of the basics. I want that for you! It’s my hope that every just the basics post helps you feel more comfortable so that you can enjoy your time spent in the kitchen even more!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the other how-to guides in the series.

Here are a few of our most popular posts: 

• The Best Whole Roasted Chicken
• Simple Roasted Spatchcock Turkey
• How to Cook Bacon in the Oven 
• How to Bake Potatoes

Everything You Need to Know About the Key Ingredients 

This is an overview of the main ingredients in this recipe. See the recipe card for full ingredients and instructions. 

• Salmon: you’ll need one pound of salmon with the skin removed. I used a 1-pound center-cut piece, but you could also use individual filets. Use any kind of salmon you like best, such as Atlantic, Sockeye, King, or Coho salmon. Look for brightly colored fish that is moist with shiny skin. Fresh salmon shouldn’t have a fishy odor! 
• Olive Oil: this allows the seasonings to stick and locks in moisture, preventing the salmon from drying out. Choose a high-quality olive oil that you love the taste of. 

How to Make This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, and place it in the center of a sheet pan. 
2. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, and season it with salt and pepper. 
3. Bake until the salmon is opaque pink and flakes easily with a fork. 
4. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and fresh dill, and enjoy! 

Ashlea’s Tips and Tricks

• Line your baking sheet. To prevent sticking and make cleanup easy, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before adding the salmon. 
• Make sure to pat your salmon super dry. This allows it to roast instead of steam, promoting even baking. 
• Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. I prefer to cook mine to 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact baking time will vary based on the size and thickness of your salmon. 
• Rest before serving. Let your oven baked salmon rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to finish cooking and helps keep it tender and flaky. 

My Favorite Ways to Serve

I like to serve this recipe with simple sides like a green salad and cooked white rice or lemon rice. It’s also delicious with options like caramelized onion mashed potatoes, kale slaw, and harissa roasted vegetables. 

Or, for a light option, add it to salads like my salmon Caesar salad or simple and easy salmon salad! 

How to Store

Fridge: Once cool, transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for two to three days. 

Freezer: Wrap leftover salmon with foil, and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or sealable bag. Freeze for up to one month. Then, thaw it in the fridge to serve. 

Reheat: Warm thawed salmon in the microwave, a hot skillet with a bit of oil, or in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit just until heated through. 

More Easy Salmon Recipes

• Garlic Butter Salmon
• How to Pan Sear Salmon
• Honey Mustard Salmon
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Honey Sriracha Salmon
• Maple Glazed Salmon

Looking for more? Find all our best healthy salmon recipes! 

I hope you give this Easy Baked Salmon Recipe a try! Quick and easy to make, it’s tender, flaky, and flavorful! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.

Print

Photography: Sasha Hooper