Salmon

Italian Baked Salmon

Name: Italian Baked Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz (170g) each; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 2 lemons, juiced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter

By Esme Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Salmon

Prep10 min

Cook15 min

Total25 min

Serves4

As a coastal home cook, I've always been drawn to the simplicity and flavor of Italian cuisine, especially when it comes to seafood. Italian Baked Salmon is one of my favorite dishes to make for a weeknight dinner, as it's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh salmon, aromatic herbs, and tangy lemon is a match made in heaven.

I remember my first experience with Italian Baked Salmon like it was yesterday. I was at a family gathering, and my aunt had made this incredible dish that everyone raved about. I was amazed by how moist and flavorful the salmon was, and I knew right then that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I've perfected my Italian Baked Salmon recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal that's sure to impress. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, Italian Baked Salmon is a great choice.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or rice. And the best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make Italian Baked Salmon, from preparing the salmon to finishing it off with a flavorful sauce. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the dish your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Baked Salmon is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it's flavorful and satisfying without being too heavy or rich.
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or rice.
Italian Baked Salmon is a great option for seafood lovers, as it showcases the freshness and flavor of the salmon.
The dish is also a great choice for special occasions, as it's impressive and delicious without being too complicated or time-consuming.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of flavors and textures. The salmon is baked with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, which infuses it with a rich and aromatic flavor. The lemon juice adds a nice brightness and acidity, while the butter adds a creamy and indulgent touch.

The cooking technique is also important. By baking the salmon in the oven, we can achieve a nice caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. And by finishing the dish with a flavorful sauce, we can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh salmon is essential, as it provides a better texture and flavor than frozen or canned salmon. The same applies to the herbs and lemon juice, which should be fresh and of high quality to get the best flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh salmon, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Make sure to choose a high-quality salmon fillet, as it will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh and sustainable options whenever possible. Fresh herbs, such as parsley and basil, can be found in most supermarkets, and they add a nice brightness and flavor to the dish. For the salmon, choose a fillet that's at least 1 inch thick, as it will hold up better to baking.

4 salmon fillets, 6 oz (170g) eachLook for fresh and sustainable salmon fillets, preferably wild-caught. The thickness of the fillet is important, as it will affect the cooking time and texture of the dish.
2 tbsp olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil with a mild flavor, as it will complement the salmon without overpowering it.
4 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, as it adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't overpower the other flavors.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a nice brightness and freshness to the dish, and it pairs well with the salmon and lemon juice. Choose a bunch with fresh and curly leaves, and chop it finely before using.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basilFresh basil adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish, and it pairs well with the salmon and garlic. Choose a bunch with fresh and fragrant leaves, and chop it finely before using.
2 lemons, juicedFresh lemon juice is essential for this recipe, as it adds a nice acidity and brightness to the dish. Choose lemons that are heavy for their size, as they will have more juice and a better flavor.
1 tsp dried thymeDried thyme adds a nice depth and warmth to the dish, and it pairs well with the salmon and herbs. Choose a high-quality thyme with a mild flavor, as it will complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.
1 tsp saltSalt is essential for this recipe, as it enhances the flavor of the salmon and other ingredients. Choose a high-quality salt with a mild flavor, as it will complement the dish without overpowering it.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice depth and warmth to the dish, and it pairs well with the salmon and herbs. Choose a high-quality pepper with a mild flavor, as it will complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.
2 tbsp unsalted butterUnsalted butter is essential for this recipe, as it adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality butter with a mild flavor, as it will complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetAluminum foilOven thermometerInstant-read thermometerSharp knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Italian Baked Salmon

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2
Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the fillets.
5
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet.
6
While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush the melted butter over the top of each fillet.
8
Return the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the butter is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through.
9
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
10
Serve the salmon hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose a high-quality salmon fillet, as it will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
Don't overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and tough. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving, as it will help the juices to redistribute and the fish to stay moist.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices, as they can add a lot of flavor to the dish.
Consider serving the salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa, as it will add some nice texture and flavor to the dish.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the top of the salmon before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the salmon, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the salmon rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the fish to become dry.
Not using an instant-read thermometer, which can make it difficult to ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Not experimenting with different herbs and spices, which can add a lot of flavor to the dish.
Not considering the thickness of the salmon fillet, which can affect the cooking time and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Using different types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a different flavor and texture.
Adding some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, to the top of the salmon before baking.
Using different herbs and spices, such as dill or paprika, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Serving the salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa for added texture and flavor.
Adding some lemon slices or wedges to the top of the salmon before baking for extra flavor and moisture.

What to Serve With Italian Baked Salmon

Italian Baked Salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include roasted vegetables, quinoa, or rice. You can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a more indulgent option.

Consider serving the salmon with a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts, as they pair well with the rich flavor of the fish. You can also serve it with a side of quinoa or brown rice, as they add some nice texture and flavor to the dish.

Roasted asparagusQuinoa or brown riceSide saladGarlic breadRoasted Brussels sproutsGrilled or sautéed vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you're looking to make the Italian Baked Salmon ahead of time, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply brush the mixture over the salmon fillets before baking.

To store the cooked salmon, let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, although the texture and flavor may be affected.

To reheat the salmon, simply bake it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, although the texture and flavor may be affected.

When reheating the salmon, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum of 145 F (63 C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Look for fresh and sustainable salmon fillets, preferably wild-caught. The thickness of the fillet is important, as it will affect the cooking time and texture of the dish.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

While frozen salmon can be used, it's not recommended. Fresh salmon has a better flavor and texture, and it's less likely to be overcooked.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. It should reach a minimum of 145 F (63 C) to ensure food safety.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply brush the mixture over the salmon fillets before baking.

How do I store the cooked salmon?

Let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, although the texture and flavor may be affected.

Can I reheat the salmon in the microwave?

Yes, but the texture and flavor may be affected. It's recommended to reheat it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through.

What are some good sides to serve with the Italian Baked Salmon?

Some options include roasted vegetables, quinoa, or rice. You can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a more indulgent option.

Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a different flavor and texture. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of fish.

The Full Recipe

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