The Easiest Baked Lemon Salmon

Name: The Easiest Baked Lemon Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon; 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons basil (chopped); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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This simple to make, healthy and super delicious Baked Lemon Salmon is always a hit. Made with all only four easy to find, wholesome ingredients and loaded with so much protein and flavor.

My family loves seafood, especially salmon and I love creating recipes that are super easy. This baked lemon salmon is one of those recipes that you can make all year long, even in the freezing cold winter.

My recipes are simple and healthy and this lemon salmon is one of our favorites.

If you are looking for some more healthy seafood recipes, you will love these Healthy Thai Salmon Bowls, Low Carb Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice, Shrimp Fajitas, Shrimp Ceviche, Healthy Shrimp Scampi and these delicious Gluten Free Crab Cakes. All of these would be even more yummy with some Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate, Apple Chai Latte and definitely some Spiked Apple Cider!

Why You Should Make This Baked Lemon Salmon

Salmon is a nutrition powerhouse and should be included in your well balanced diet. It is loaded with protein, B vitamins, healthy omega -3-fatty acids and is low in carbs.

Salmon is also packed with antioxidants which help fight off diseases and conditions. It is a clean, complete protein (meaning it contains all of the amino acids to help build muscle).

Basically, adding more salmon recipes is always a healthy choice.

Types of Salmon

Wild Caught Pacific Salmon - This is the healthiest type of salmon and is found in our natural environments like lakes, rivers, and oceans. Wild caught salmon is more sustainable and contains less saturated fat. It also contains less contaminants as well as a more complex flavor.
Farmed salmon- Considered to be less healthy than wild caught salmon, farmed salmon has more saturated fat and a diet that is less regulated. This means farmed salmon may contain more contaminants.

Recipe Ingredients

Salmon - I always buy wild caught, Pacific salmon. It's a little more expensive than farm raised salmon, but it has less calories and fat. Wild salmon means that it is harvested directly from oceans, rivers or lakes where farm raised salmon are harvested in small little pens. In my opinion, wild salmon tastes much better too.
Lemon - Nothing eats fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
Basil - Personally I always use fresh basil. The taste is superior. However, please use dried basil if that is all you have. I am all about convenience.
Extra Virgin Olive oil - I like to use this EVOO for its light taste that makes it perfect for baking and cooking.

How To Make This Baked Lemon Salmon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Salt and pepper the salmon fillet, brush with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.

Sprinkle salmon with chopped basil.

Sprinkle zest on top and top with lemons.

Place in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.

When serving, sprinkle with more fresh basil, if desired.

Lemon salmon on white plate with lemon slices on top.

Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

Can I substitute lime for the lemon in this baked lemon salmon dish?

Yes! You can use the sam amount of lime juice and zest in this recipe. Orange would also be a delicious substitute.

What can I serve with this lemon salmon?

My two favorite side dishes are Balsamic Roasted Vegetables and Balsamic Green Beans with Almonds and Cranberries. Pretty much any veggie would be delicious alongside this lemon salmon.

I have farm raised salmon, is that ok for this recipe?

I do realize wild salmon may be a little more difficult to find and is also more expensive. You can use farm raised salmon, just be aware that it may contain pollutants and antibiotics.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with this Baked Lemon Salmon

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia from Diethood

Easy Perfect Mahi Mahi from Chew Out Loud

Lemon Butter Cod from Cooking Classy

Garlic Parmesan Baked Flounder from The Mediterranean Dish

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