Go Back
–+ servings

Healthy Lemon Salmon Recipe

This healthy lemon salmon is ready in about 30 minutes and made with fresh lemon, garlic, herbs, and avocado oil. It’s an easy gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb salmon dinner for busy weeknights.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 313 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces salmon divided into four 4-ounce fillets or two 8-ounce fillets
  • ¼ cup avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice from ½ large lemon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 thin lemon slices cut from the remaining lemon half
  • Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
  • Add the avocado oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, thyme, parsley, and minced garlic to a small bowl. Whisk until combined.
  • Use a pastry brush to coat the tops and sides of the salmon with the lemon-garlic mixture.
  • Place one thin lemon slice on top of each fillet.
  • Bake for 15–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
  • The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  • Allow it to rest for two or three minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Four small salmon fillets will generally cook faster than two large fillets.
  • Extra virgin olive oil may be substituted for avocado oil.
  • Always verify that packaged seasonings and minced garlic are gluten free when cross-contact is a concern.
  • Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before brushing it with the seasoning mixture.

Can I prepare the salmon ahead of time?

You can whisk together the lemon-herb mixture several hours in advance and refrigerate it in a covered container. For the freshest texture, brush it onto the salmon shortly before baking.

Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?

Yes. Place the seasoned fillets in a lightly greased air-fryer basket and cook at 400°F for approximately 7–11 minutes, depending on their thickness. Check that the center has reached a safe temperature before serving.

Is this recipe keto friendly?

The ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates and may fit many keto-style eating plans. Individual dietary needs and daily carbohydrate targets can vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 3.6gProtein: 23.5gFat: 22.7gSaturated Fat: 4.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.4gCholesterol: 56.7mgSodium: 192.4mgPotassium: 52.3mgFiber: 0.1g
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Lemon Salmon Recipe
Serving Size
 
4 oz
Amount per Serving
Calories
313
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
22.7
g
35
%
Saturated Fat
 
4.4
g
28
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
10.4
g
Cholesterol
 
56.7
mg
19
%
Sodium
 
192.4
mg
8
%
Potassium
 
52.3
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
3.6
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Protein
 
23.5
g
47
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword gluten free salmon, healthy salmon, keto salmon, low carb salmon
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!