If you’re looking for an effortless yet incredibly flavorful dinner, this Baked Salmon Recipe with Italian Seasoning Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this salmon comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned without any fuss. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll find this recipe becomes a go-to in your rotation—trust me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: You can have dinner ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Classic Italian Flavors: The Italian seasoning blends beautifully with garlic and paprika for a subtle, delicious kick.
- Moist and Tender Salmon: The gentle baking and optional foil covering make sure your salmon stays perfectly juicy every time.
- Easy Cleanup: Using foil or parchment paper makes the whole process so much less messy—definitely a win in my book.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Baked Salmon Recipe with Italian Seasoning Recipe work together in harmony, creating a flavorful crust without overpowering the delicate salmon. Plus, most of these are pantry staples, so no special trip to the store needed.
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or thawed salmon with skin on adds richness and protects the flesh while baking.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without any chopping required.
- Garlic Powder: A must for that classic garlic flavor that pairs amazingly with Italian herbs.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend brings herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for that signature Italian taste.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky, warm note and a hint of color to your salmon.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthy punch.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the salmon moist and helps the spices stick.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up with fresh acidity for that lovely tang.
Variations
I love mixing things up sometimes, and you can easily customize this baked salmon recipe with Italian seasoning recipe to fit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs or spice levels to make it truly your own.
- Herb Swap: I once swapped Italian seasoning for fresh dill and lemon zest—it was refreshing and light for spring.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat; it wakes up the flavors beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with roasted veggies or a fresh salad to keep it low-carb and nutrient-packed.
How to Make Baked Salmon Recipe with Italian Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Salmon for Maximum Flavor
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. I like to line my rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil because cleanup is a breeze after baking. Then, pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels — this little step makes a huge difference because it helps the seasoning stick and prevents soggy skin. Brush a little olive oil on your pan to avoid any sticking, then place the salmon skin-side down.
Step 2: Season the Salmon with That Italian Love
Mix up the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over each salmon fillet, then drizzle fresh lemon juice on top. This combo seals in flavor and adds a bright finishing touch that I found elevates this recipe from simple to sensational.
Step 3: Bake and Enjoy That Perfect Flake
For extra tender salmon, tent the baking sheet with foil and pop it in the oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If you prefer a bit of crunch, I recommend removing the foil in the last minute and broiling for 1-2 minutes to get that gorgeous golden crust.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Salmon Recipe with Italian Seasoning Recipe
- Dry Salmon Well: I used to skip the patting step, and the seasoning just slid right off—drying the fish first makes a huge difference.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Salmon thickness varies, so I always check at 12 minutes and adjust accordingly to avoid overcooked fish.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the salmon rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy, which is a little trick I learned that makes a big impact.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemon really brightens the flavor and adds that little extra zing.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Recipe with Italian Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing off this baked salmon with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil—both add a burst of color and freshness. Slices of lemon on the side are a must for me, because squeezing a bit more lemon over the top at the table brightens all those lovely flavors even more.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for this salmon paired with roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes. You can also keep it light with a crisp green salad or some quinoa with herbs. The versatility means you can dress it up or down depending on your vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like to serve the salmon on a big platter scattered with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and maybe some edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. You can even slice the cooked salmon into smaller portions and serve it atop crostini for a fancy appetizer that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy it within 2 days. It’s great cold in salads or gently reheated. Pro tip: avoid leaving it out at room temp for too long to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
This baked salmon recipe with Italian seasoning recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap then foil before popping them in the freezer. When I thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight, it retains almost all of its original flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I use a low oven temperature (about 275°F) and cover the salmon with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel for just 30-45 seconds. Either way, this keeps the salmon nice and moist.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for this baked salmon recipe with Italian seasoning recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge before cooking so that the seasoning and cooking times are even. Pat the fillets dry well before seasoning, as frozen salmon tends to hold extra moisture.
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Do I have to use Italian seasoning, or can I substitute something else?
While Italian seasoning gives this recipe its signature flavor, feel free to try other herb blends like herbes de Provence, lemon pepper seasoning, or even just fresh dill and parsley for a fresh twist. Each will bring a different but delicious flavor profile.
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How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but is still moist. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part. Remember, the fish will continue to cook a little while it rests.
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Can I add other flavors to the baked salmon recipe with Italian seasoning recipe?
Definitely! Adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before baking gives a sweet-savory twist. You can also toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives on top before baking to boost that Mediterranean vibe.
Final Thoughts
This baked salmon recipe with Italian seasoning recipe has honestly become one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners because it’s reliable, tasty, and just plain satisfying every time. I hope when you make it, you find yourself coming back to it as much as my family and I do. It’s like a little Italian getaway on a plate, and you don’t even have to leave your kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Baked Salmon Recipe with Italian Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy baked salmon recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option that is both healthy and flavorful. Featuring a simple spice blend and a touch of lemon juice, the salmon fillets are baked until tender and flaky with an optional broil step to add a crispy crust. It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy home cooks looking for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier texture.
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Brush the lined baking sheet with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
- Season Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over each fillet, then sprinkle the spice blend across the top of the salmon fillets.
- Optional Foil Cover: Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil if you prefer a more tender and moist salmon texture.
- Bake: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.
- Optional Broiling: For a crispy crust, place the salmon under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Always dry the salmon with paper towels before seasoning to promote a crispier skin.
- Allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the salmon with foil during baking for a more tender and moist result.
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the salmon to prevent over or undercooking.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
