Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
This easy Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon is zesty, herby, and topped with a creamy yogurt sauce that takes it over the top. Perfect for a healthy dinner!
🔗 Explore This Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Recipe
👩🍳 Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon (That Sauce is Everything!)
The other night, my husband casually mentioned that salmon don’t actually live in rivers. I just stared at him. I always thought they spent their lives swimming upstream like in the documentaries. Apparently, they live in the ocean and only head to rivers to spawn. Somehow I missed that memo and felt like a grown adult learning something everyone else probably figured out in fourth grade.
We got into that conversation because I picked up some salmon at Sam’s Club earlier that day and was planning to make one of my favorite dinners: lemon garlic baked salmon. It’s simple, bold, and doesn’t take much time, which is pretty much my ideal cooking situation.
The salmon gets a quick rub with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. After a short rest, it goes into the oven and comes out flaky, juicy, and full of flavor. Everything you want from an easy baked salmon recipe.
What really makes this dish pop is the garlic lemon yogurt sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh lemon zest, garlic, oregano, and dill. Greek yogurt keeps it light but still rich enough to feel like a little treat. Letting it chill while the salmon bakes makes the flavors even better.
This recipe is quick to pull together and doesn’t ask for much. No fancy techniques. No hard-to-find ingredients. Just a solid, healthy salmon dinner that feels fresh and satisfying. Serve it over rice, next to roasted veggies, or on top of a salad. The leftovers hold up well too, and the sauce makes a great dip or spread the next day.
This easy salmon recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and full of fresh flavor. Whether you’re following a clean eating plan, looking for a quick healthy meal, or just want a reliable salmon dinner idea, this one fits the bill.
🛒 What You’ll Need to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
For the Salmon:
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce
🥣 How Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Is Made
Whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs until smooth. Chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Mix olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices into a marinade. Rub it all over the salmon and let it soak up the flavor. Bake the salmon until it’s tender and flaky.
Spoon that zesty garlic lemon sauce over the salmon and dig in!
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Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillets (about 4.8 oz each)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garlic Lemon Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or 2%)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove (minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder))
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or fresh, finely chopped)
- ½ tsp dried dill (or 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make Garlic Lemon Sauce
- Mix it up! In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Let it rest. For the best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Prepare Salmon
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Rub the mixture all over the salmon fillets. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until flaky.
- Serve with Garlic Lemon Sauce on top.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yep! Just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before marinating so the Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon doesn’t get watery.
What’s the best kind of salmon to use?
Wild-caught is ideal for flavor and texture, but any salmon fillets work great for this Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon. Think Atlantic or sockeye.
Can I make this without yogurt?
Totally! Swap the Greek yogurt in the Garlic Lemon Sauce for sour cream, crème fraîche, or even mayo for a different creamy twist.
Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Yes! Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon is naturally low in carbs and fits perfectly into keto or paleo meal plans if you leave out the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon is basically the ultimate main dish because it plays so well with everything. Keep it fresh and vibrant by pairing it with my Mediterranean Kale Pasta Salad. The briny olives, crisp cucumbers, and tangy dressing are total perfection next to the lemony salmon.
Want something warm and cozy on the side? Roast up a batch of my Lemony Steamed Broccoli (recipe currently being perfected) for a zesty, bright veggie that ties the whole meal together. You can also spoon the baked salmon over fluffy couscous, buttery orzo, or a simple rice pilaf to soak up all that dreamy garlic lemon sauce. Craving something extra hearty? Try it with crispy roasted potatoes or a big hunk of crusty bread.
Because we all love seafood
If you’re loving this Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon, you’ve gotta check out a few more seafood recipes that bring all the bold flavors. For something fresh and light, my Blackberry Arugula Salmon Salad has sweet berries, peppery greens, and tender salmon in every bite. Or power up your lunch game with my Salmon Asparagus Bowl that are simple, hearty, and loaded with good-for-you ingredients.
Craving something creamy and a little indulgent? Dive into my Baked Four Cheese Seafood Fettuccine or scoop into my Creamy, Bold, and Zesty Baked Seafood Dip. Both are guaranteed to steal the show. And if you really want to go big, don’t miss my Smoked Mac and Cheese with Seafood. It’s smoky, cheesy, and packed with juicy bites of seafood. Want to switch things up from salmon? Try my Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with upgraded tartar sauce. It’s crispy, golden, and totally next-level.