Foodie Whispers

 Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with this simple Lemon Herb Baked Salmon! Flaky salmon infused with bright lemon and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection in minutes. Get the easy recipe now!

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon slices
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: Lemon zest, White wine, Capers, Cherry tomatoes

How to Make:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
3. Season Salmon: Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
4. Add Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs: Arrange lemon slices over the salmon. Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley evenly over the fillets. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor.
5. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). 1 Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.  
6. Optional Additions: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the baking sheet or scatter some capers and cherry tomatoes around the salmon during the last few minutes of baking.
7. Serve: Carefully transfer the baked salmon to plates. Squeeze extra lemon juice over the top, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide the best flavor. If you don't have fresh, use dried herbs sparingly.
• Don't Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly. Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
• Leave the Skin On (Optional): Baking salmon with the skin on helps to keep it moist and flavorful. The skin can be easily removed after cooking.
• Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
• Add Other Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the salmon in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Serve with Healthy Sides: Pair your Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and healthy meal.

Summary:

This Lemon Herb Baked Salmon recipe is a simple and elegant way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful fish dish. The bright citrus notes of lemon combined with the aromatic freshness of dill and parsley perfectly complement the tender, flaky salmon. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated meal for guests. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of this easy-to-make baked salmon!