12 Easy Baked Salmon Recipes for Protein and Omega 3s
Baked salmon has it all: It’s quick and easy, versatile, and simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a dinner party. Plus, salmon is so nutritious, a great source of protein and one of the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also rich in vitamins D and B12, potassium, and iron. Look for wild-caught salmon whenever possible — it’s more nutrient-rich; plus, farmed salmon often contains contaminants and pollutants.
Wild-caught salmon is generally pricier than farmed, though you can get good deals at online sellers like ButcherBox and Vital Choice. Here are 12 delicious, easy, healthy baked salmon recipes to suit any craving.
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1. Lemon Garlic Salmon
The easy lemon garlic sauce in this recipe is so tasty, we want to put it on everything — shrimp, chicken, vegetables, even potatoes. In this recipe, it gives baked salmon a luscious taste, yet it’s still so simple to throw together.
Try this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.
2. Honey Mustard Salmon
Who doesn’t love honey mustard? Here the popular combo made with sharp Dijon gives a fun and fuss-free twist to baked salmon. Chopped fresh dill lends a light burst of herby flavor, too.
Try this recipe from Girl Gone Gourmet.
3. Herb-Crusted Salmon
Brush the salmon with a little butter (or olive oil), sprinkle with a mix made from pantry spices, and you’ll be surprised how flavorful the result is. You can play around with the seasoning mix, or add some freshly grated parmesan or some breadcrumbs, if you like.
Try this recipe from Run Lift Eat Repeat.
4. Baked Teriyaki Salmon
You can use a bottled teriyaki sauce in this simple salmon recipe, or make your own — it’s surprisingly easy. Either way, put the salmon in a bowl with rice, edamame, steamed vegetables, and sesame seeds for a healthy, energizing, protein-rich meal.
Try this recipe from Eat with Clarity.
5. Baked Pesto Salmon
It’s hard to beat 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep for a delicious, healthy dinner. The pesto that you slather generously over the fish pairs beautifully with the cherry tomatoes you bake with it. Plus, the basil in the pesto is loaded with antioxidants.
Try this recipe from Healthy Fitness Meals.
6. Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Baked Salmon with Spinach
For a baked salmon dish with Mediterranean diet flair, this recipe hits all the notes. With tangy sun-dried tomatoes, salty feta, and baby spinach, it’s loaded with flavor and good nutrition. Add chopped artichoke hearts or capers for even more flavor, if you like.
Try this recipe from The Roasted Root.
7. Miso Salmon
Miso paste is a great ingredient to keep on hand, as it lends depth, sweetness, and umami to sauces, dressings, and glazes — like the one on this baked salmon. Plus, it keeps in the fridge for months. This dish has a restaurant-worthy flavor, but it’s deceptively easy to make.
Try this recipe from Just One Cookbook.
8. Honey Sriracha Salmon
The sweet-spicy combo is on-trend, and for good reason: The mix of sriracha, honey, lime juice, coconut aminos, sesame oil, and a few other ingredients on this baked salmon make it feel special, even with less than 10 minutes of prep. Make sure some of that glaze goes on the veggies you serve, too — broccoli or green beans would work well.
Try this recipe from All the Healthy Things.
9. Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Who says balsamic vinegar is only for salads? Here, you mix it with olive oil, garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard for a tasty glaze. This crowd-pleasing dish is on the table in 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Sauteed vegetables on the side would round out the plate nicely.
Try this recipe from Well Plated.
10. Coconut Curry Salmon
A mix of red curry paste, spicy curry powder, and fresh ginger give this dish plenty of bite, while coconut milk and a bit of tangy cream cheese balance the heat. For all of the complex flavor in this dish, it still only takes 15 minutes of prep. Serve it with rice to soak up the sauce.
Try this recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
11. Baked Cajun Salmon
With a mix of bold spices like pepper, cayenne, garlic, and paprika, a Cajun seasoning blend is a simple way to add tons of flavor to baked salmon. It’s all you need, along with some olive oil, to make this dish sing. It’s also delicious on potatoes, chicken, and shrimp.
Try this recipe from The Almond Eater.
12. Baked Thai Pineapple Salmon
Baking the salmon on top of sliced pineapple infuses it with flavor, along with a tangy sauce made with chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Cilantro and crunchy peanuts on top add even more flavor and texture.
Try this recipe from Le Creme De La Crumb.
Read next: 9 Salmon Pasta Recipes Without Heavy Cream
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