Looking for a fresh, wholesome dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for warm-weather evenings? This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon is everything you need in one beautiful, easy-to-clean pan. With juicy salmon fillets, roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a splash of citrus, every bite bursts with brightness, richness, and herby goodness.
This recipe has become a favorite across American kitchens, and for good reason. It’s light but satisfying, filled with nutrients, and delivers gourmet flavor without the restaurant price tag. The baked lemon herb salmon dish is especially great for summer because it keeps things simple, seasonal, and totally stress-free.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- ✅ All-in-one pan = minimal cleanup
- ✅ Loaded with fresh summer produce
- ✅ Packed with omega-3s and antioxidants
- ✅ Customizable with your favorite herbs and veggies
- ✅ Great for weeknights or casual hosting
Quick Facts
- Preparation Time: PT15M
- Cooking Time: PT25M
- Total Time: PT40M
- Type: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Recipe Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: ~450 per serving (estimate)
What You’ll Need
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Salmon and Vegetables:
- ✔ 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each, skin-on or off)
- ✔ 2 small zucchinis, sliced
- ✔ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ✔ 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- ✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ✔ 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ✔ 1 lemon, thinly sliced + juice of ½ lemon
- ✔ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ✔ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ✔ ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ✔ Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- ✔ Fresh dill or parsley
- ✔ Lemon wedges
- ✔ Extra olive oil for drizzling
Let’s Make It – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Season the Salmon
- Pat your salmon dry with a paper towel.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice. Set aside.
3. Arrange the Veggies
- In the baking dish, spread sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions.
- Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables.
4. Add Citrus and Bake
- Top each salmon fillet with lemon slices.
- Sprinkle everything with red chili flakes if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and veggies are tender.
5. Finish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite side like couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
Conclusion: A Balanced and Beautiful Summer Dinner
This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon recipe is a no-brainer when you need a dish that’s healthy, simple, and bursting with flavor. The tender, flaky salmon soaks up the tangy lemon and aromatic herbs, while the veggies caramelize perfectly in the oven, creating a warm medley of textures and colors.
It’s everything a summer dinner should be: seasonal, quick, nourishing, and 100% satisfying.
💬 Tried it? Snap a pic and tag us with your delicious creation! We’d love to see your take on this sunny dish.
FAQs About Baked Lemon Herb Salmon
How to make Baked Lemon Herb Salmon?
Start by seasoning salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Nestle them in a baking dish with sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions. Bake until the fish is flaky and veggies are roasted.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Try asparagus, bell peppers, or thin-sliced potatoes for variety. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on density.
Can I grill the salmon instead?
Absolutely. You can grill the salmon separately and roast the veggies in the oven, or even grill everything on foil packs for outdoor meals.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Definitely. This recipe was written with dried herbs, but fresh oregano, thyme, or dill will enhance flavor even more.
What side dishes pair well with this salmon?
Serve it with couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or fresh salad greens. It also pairs nicely with a yogurt-based dip or tzatziki.
Wrapping It Up: Your Go-To One-Pan Salmon Dinner 🍋🐟
There’s just something about tossing fresh ingredients into one dish and pulling out a stunning, perfectly cooked meal that feels so rewarding. This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon delivers all the color, nutrition, and crave-worthy flavor you want in a summer dinner—with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner guest, this dish always looks impressive and tastes even better.
👉 Want more simple summer recipes like this? Follow us on Pinterest for weekly inspiration!