Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Seasoning and Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (just a pinch if using finely ground black pepper)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend (OR herbs de provence, or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil)
- 1 medium lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large baking pan to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon fillets evenly on the baking sheet and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Make Herb and Lemon Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and the juice of half a lemon. Spoon this mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to cover the tops and sides thoroughly to avoid any dry spots. Then, thinly slice the remaining half of the lemon and place one lemon slice atop each fillet.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For a slightly crispier top, you can broil the salmon for the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve the salmon fillets hot for a delicious, healthy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian herb seasoning with herbs de Provence or a mix of dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil.
- Using cracked black pepper adds more texture, but finely ground pepper can be used with less quantity.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice finish but is optional.
- Salmon is best served immediately to enjoy its tender, flaky texture.
- To keep salmon moist, avoid overbaking; check for doneness at 12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
