Go Back
For this dish, you need 4 salmon fillets, each 6 ounces. Salmon is rich in flavor and will soak up the marinade well. Fresh fillets give the best taste, but frozen can work too. The marinade is simple yet packed with taste. You will need: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste This blend of garlic and lemon creates a zesty kick. Honey adds a touch of sweetness, while Dijon gives it depth. To finish your dish, you'll need: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) The parsley adds color and freshness. Lemon wedges make it easy for diners to add more zest. This dish is not just tasty; it looks great on the plate too. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot temperature helps the salmon cook evenly. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the fish from sticking. In a small bowl, mix together the following: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This mixture adds so much flavor to the salmon! Now, place your salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down. Brush the lemon garlic marinade over each fillet. Make sure they are well coated to lock in the taste. Bake them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. You will know they are done when they become opaque and flake easily with a fork. After baking, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish it with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To get the best flavor, choose fresh salmon. Fresh fish tastes better than frozen. Use good quality olive oil for richness. Fresh garlic adds a punch that dried garlic can’t match. Lemon zest brings bright notes that enhance the dish. Always taste your marinade before using it. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Overcooking salmon makes it dry. To avoid this, check the salmon early. Bake it for 12 minutes first. If it looks opaque and flakes easily, it’s ready. If not, keep checking every minute. The salmon should feel firm but tender. Let it rest after baking to keep it juicy. Presentation matters! Place the salmon on a nice plate. Drizzle some of the marinade around it for color. Use fresh parsley to add a pop of green. Serve lemon wedges on the side. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Pair with colorful veggies for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the link above. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavors in Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Swap lemon zest for lime zest for a fresh twist. Use fresh herbs like dill or thyme for added depth. You can also try different mustards, like whole grain, for a unique texture. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a richer sweetness. Each change can create a new taste experience. Pair your salmon with simple, fresh sides. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts work well. A crisp salad with mixed greens adds brightness. You can also serve quinoa or brown rice for a filling option. Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes provide a comforting touch. A light lemon vinaigrette drizzled over these sides enhances the overall flavor. You can cook Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon in various ways. Grilling gives the fish a smoky flavor. Just preheat the grill and cook each fillet for about 6-8 minutes. Broiling is another great option. Set your oven's broiler on high and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cook it for about 6-10 minutes until it’s golden brown. For a stovetop method, pan-sear the salmon in a hot skillet for crispy skin and a juicy center. Each method brings out different flavors and textures. To keep your Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place each fillet in the container, separating layers with parchment paper. This prevents sticking. Make sure to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. The salmon stays good for up to three days. Reheat the salmon gently to keep it moist. Use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warm. You can also use a microwave but be careful not to overheat. A lower power setting is best to keep it juicy. For longer storage, you can freeze the salmon. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The salmon can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your meal anytime with these storage tips! The best way to season salmon is with bold flavors. I love using lemon, garlic, and herbs. A simple mix of olive oil, salt, and pepper works great too. You can add spices like paprika or cumin for a kick. Marinades also enhance taste and moisture. For this recipe, I use lemon zest and juice, plus honey and Dijon mustard for balance. This mix gives the salmon a bright and zesty flavor. Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just ensure to thaw it first. Thaw the salmon overnight in the fridge for best results. You can also run it under cool water for quick thawing. Once thawed, pat it dry before seasoning. This step helps the flavors stick. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness. Always check for doneness by using a fork. Many sides pair well with Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon. Here are some tasty options: - Roasted vegetables - Steamed asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Rice pilaf These sides complement the salmon's flavors and add color to your plate. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. In this post, I covered how to make Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon. We explored the key ingredients, like fresh salmon, a flavorful marinade, and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions to achieve perfect baking results. You learned tips to boost flavor and avoid overcooking. We also discussed variations and best storage practices. Cooking is fun and simple. Enjoy experimenting with your salmon dishes. Use what you learned here to impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon

Savor the delightful flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon in just 25 minutes! This quick and easy recipe combines salmon fillets with a zesty garlic and lemon mixture that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both healthy and delicious. Ready to wow your taste buds? Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well incorporated.

      Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Brush the lemon garlic mixture generously over each fillet, ensuring they're well coated.

        Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

          Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

            Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4