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A simple healthy garlic salmon fillet, perfectly cooked.

Classic Simple Healthy Garlic Salmon

Enjoy this quick and easy Classic Simple Healthy Garlic Salmon recipe! Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, this dish is bursting with flavor from fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs. It's a simple yet elegant way to prepare salmon that's both delicious and nutritious.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 fillets
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Small bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4-6 ounces salmon fillets per person (skin-on or off)
  • 4-6 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • red pepper flakes Pinch, Optional
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Optional

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat the salmon fillets dry. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs; mix well. You can also add red pepper flakes or Dijon mustard if desired.
  • Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spoon the garlic-herb mixture evenly over each fillet, ensuring full coverage.

Cooking

  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).

Serving

  • Remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the garlic-herb mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking. Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.