Easy Baked Lemon Herb Salmon Foil Packets
A quick and easy baked salmon recipe featuring fresh lemon, herbs, and optional vegetables cooked in foil packets for a moist, flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each), fresh or thawed
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced and zested
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional vegetables: thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus spears
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Tear off four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches each, and place them on a rimmed baking sheet spaced apart.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle each fillet with about 1/2 tablespoon (7 ml) of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper evenly.
- Place each fillet skin-side down on a foil sheet. Top with minced garlic, a sprinkle of fresh dill and parsley, and a few thin lemon slices. Add a pinch of lemon zest.
- If using, arrange sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus around the salmon, drizzled lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Fold the foil over the salmon and veggies, crimping the edges tightly to create a sealed packet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Carefully open one packet and check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Transfer the salmon and veggies to plates and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Notes
Use salmon fillets of similar size and thickness for even cooking. Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help olive oil and herbs stick better. Seal foil packets tightly to trap steam but avoid overpacking. Thinly slice vegetables to ensure they cook through in the same time as salmon. Fresh herbs are preferred over dried for best flavor. You can prepare packets ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add a couple extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold. For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha before sealing packets. Can also be cooked on a grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One 6-ounce salmon f
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22
- Protein: 34
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon herb salmon, foil packet salmon, easy dinner, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon, family dinner, gluten-free salmon