This lemon herb salmon recipe stands the test of time. It’s consistently in our dinner rotation because it’s quick, flavorful, pretty nutritious, and the prep work is minimal.
When life is just too busy at 5 p. m. , homemade dinners like this are always appreciated. You’ll enjoy the robust herb flavors paired with garlic, lemon, and pepper. It tastes better with a little butter, and you can roast vegetables at the same time, which makes this dish easy to make. We often serve everything with brown rice or a side salad.
It’s easy and tastes great to eat salmon glazed in honey garlic soy sauce. If you want chicken, I always love this cilantro lime chicken.
Salmon is a healthy fish that can be cooked in a huge number of different ways. One of the most popular flavor combinations is salmon with lemon and herbs. The brightness of lemon complements the rich, fatty salmon beautifully. Fresh herbs add extra dimension, aroma and freshness.
But with so many herbs to choose from, which ones go best with salmon and lemon? Here, we will discuss the top herb options and how to use them to make delicious salmon dishes bursting with lemon and herb flavor.
Why Salmon and Lemon Work So Well Together
Salmon is one of the fish with the most fat, which makes it soft and flavorful. Fish like salmon is great for baking, broiling, grilling, and pan frying because it has oils in it. Salmon also has high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Lemon provides the perfect balance to the fattiness of salmon. The bright, acidic juice cuts through the rich oils and adds a pop of brightness. Lemon also complements the natural flavor of salmon beautifully.
Fresh herbs add another layer of aroma taste and visual appeal. Herbs give salmon complexity freshness and vibrancy.
By pairing salmon with lemon and herbs, you get a dish that is:
- Bright and fresh
- Vibrantly flavored
- Visually appealing
- Healthy and nutritious
This power combination allows the flavors of each ingredient to shine. The result is a beautifully balanced dish that satisfies all the senses.
The 10 Best Herbs for Salmon and Lemon
Many fresh herbs pair wonderfully with salmon and lemon. Below are 10 of the best options to consider:
1. Dill
Dill has a fresh, grassy and slightly anise-like flavor It is highly aromatic. Dill is a classic pairing with salmon and lemon. Its flavor profile complements both ingredients Dill is easy to find fresh and pairs well with simple pan seared or baked salmon fillets.
Try salmon baked with slices of lemon and a dill sauce. Dill sprigs also make beautiful garnishes.
2. Parsley
Parsley has a fresh, green, slightly bitter taste. It adds a pop of color and freshens up any salmon dish. Parsley is easy to find and grows well at home. Use it chopped and sprinkled over salmon or blended into an herb sauce.
For example, bake salmon with lemon slices and parsley pesto. Garnish with whole parsley leaves.
3. Basil
Sweet basil packs a punch of flavor. Its aroma is instantly recognizable. Basil has a natural affinity for salmon. It also pairs wonderfully with lemon. Use fresh chopped basil or make a quick basil oil to drizzle over salmon.
One idea is broiled salmon seasoned with lemon pepper and basil oil. Garnish with basil leaves.
4. Tarragon
Tarragon has an anise/licorice-like flavor with a hint of sweetness. It has a strong aroma and bold taste. A little bit goes a long way when pairing tarragon with salmon and lemon.
For example, brush grilled salmon with a quick lemon tarragon butter sauce.
5. Chives
Chives have a mild onion flavor and grassy aroma. They are delicate in taste and appearance. Chives add a pop of subtle flavor and green coloring to salmon. Use chives in sauces, compound butters or as a garnish.
For instance, top poached salmon and lemon slices with a chive cream sauce.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro is a divisive herb with its bold, citrusy flavor. But it can pair wonderfully with salmon and lemon. Use it chopped into relishes, chimichurri sauce or a jalapeño cilantro pesto.
One preparation is salmon cakes with lemon aioli and cilantro. Garnish with extra cilantro.
7. Mint
Mint is cooling and refreshing with a touch of sweetness. It perks up salmon and lemon with its strong, distinctive flavor. Use it chopped into sauces or relishes. Or make salmon and lemon kebabs brushed with a mint-infused oil.
For example, rub salmon fillets with lemon zest and pan fry. Top with a quick mint salsa.
8. Thyme
Thyme has an earthy, woodsy and minty flavor. It is quite aromatic and pairs well with salmon’s richness. Use fresh or dried thyme. Add whole sprigs or chopped thyme to roast, bake or pan sear salmon with lemon.
For instance, roast salmon with lemon slices, thyme sprigs and olive oil. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
9. Oregano
Oregano is another earthy, herbaceous option. It has a bold, peppery taste that holds up to salmon’s flavor. Use dried oregano or fresh oregano leaves to season salmon before cooking.
For example, coat salmon fillets with lemon zest, dried oregano and olive oil. Grill and top with oregano chimichurri sauce.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary has an intensely piney, woodsy flavor. A little bit goes a long way when pairing rosemary with salmon and lemon. Use whole sprigs or chopped leaves.
For instance, roast salmon and lemon wedges with whole rosemary sprigs and olive oil. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
How to Use Herbs with Salmon and Lemon
There are many tasty ways to incorporate herbs into salmon and lemon recipes:
- Rub chopped fresh herbs directly onto raw salmon fillets before cooking
- Add whole herb sprigs to roast or bake salmon and lemon slices
- Make quick compound butters or herb oils to drizzle over cooked salmon
- Mix chopped herbs into sauces, salsas, relishes or dressings to serve with salmon
- Use herbs in marinades or crusts on the salmon
- Garnish cooked salmon with whole herb leaves or sprigs
When baking salmon with lemon, try arranging lemon slices on top and whole herb sprigs like thyme, rosemary or oregano underneath the fillets. The salmon essentially poaches in the lemon-herb flavors.
For pan seared, grilled or broiled salmon, rub a mixture of chopped herbs, lemon zest, oil and salt directly onto the fish. The herbs get nice and crispy.
Herb sauces are also delicious with simple salmon preparations. Blend up a quick chimichurri, pesto or herb-infused butter to drizzle over.
Simple and Healthy Salmon Recipes with Lemon and Herbs
Here are a few easy recipe ideas for delicious salmon dishes bursting with lemon and herb flavor:
Baked Lemon Herb Salmon
- Salmon fillets
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley and dill
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Arrange salmon fillets in a baking dish. Top with lemon slices and herb sprigs. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
Lemon Thyme Grilled Salmon
- Salmon fillets
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh thyme
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Coat salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped fresh thyme. Grill salmon and lemon wedges until fish is opaque. Squeeze grilled lemon over salmon.
Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Mint Salsa
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon zest
- Fresh mint
- Diced tomato, onion, jalapeño
Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper and lemon zest. Pan sear in olive oil. Mix salsa ingredients and spoon over salmon.
Broiled Salmon and Asparagus with Lemon Basil Drizzle
- Salmon fillets
- Asparagus spears
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil
- Lemon juice
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper. Broil with salmon until cooked through. Blend basil with lemon juice and drizzle over salmon and asparagus.
Discover New Flavor Combinations with Salmon
Salmon, lemon and herbs make up a delicious flavor trio. There are so many herb options to discover new taste sensations. Beyond the popular dill, try cilantro, thyme, mint or tarragon to realize new possibilities.
Prepare baked, grilled and pan seared salmon in endless ways with herbs and lemon. Use the herbs in marinades, rubs, sauces and garnishes. Vary the preparation methods and herb choices for exciting new dishes anytime salmon is on the menu.
More Favorite Dinner Recipes
Video Tutorial: How to Make Lemon Herb Salmon
Brushing the salmon fillets with a smidgen of melted butter is key to its fantastic flavor. This helps the herb mixture on top stick while keeping the cooked centers extra moist and tender.
After you brush each salmon fillet with butter, spread your herb mixture on top. We usually use rosemary and parsley as the herbs, then mix in garlic and freshly ground black pepper. A squeeze of lemon rounds out all these savory flavors.
You can cook your favorite vegetable on the baking sheet with the salmon at the same time. Some options are brussels sprouts, sliced zucchini, cut asparagus, or broccoli. You can add more salt and lemon juice if you want to.
That’s all you do. Dinner tonight is this simple. When a dinner recipe delivers on taste AND requires so little effort, it’s a major win.
Lemon Herb Salmon | Sally’s Baking Recipes
FAQ
What herbs are best on salmon?
What herbs go well with salmon?
Here are ten of the best herbs to accompany your next salmon dish. A great flavoring for baked salmon, pan-seared salmon or seafood sauces. It has a bright and fresh flavor. Delicate texture. Anise flavor. Commonly used for salmon recipes with sauces. Sweet anise flavor. Fresh and bright taste. Great for baked salmon recipes. Fresh flavor.
Can one combine lemon and dandelion?
There is no evidence proving that the consumption of lemon and dandelion is not safe or beneficial to health. In fact, it is common to see “detox” drinks mixed with both ingredients. While there is not enough credible evidence to support the marketing of detox drink mixes, lemon and dandelion are two ingredients that can provide many health benefits. Dandelion is an antioxidant, aids in lowering blood pressure, aids in blood sugar management, and helps to decrease inflammation. Lemon is a great source of vitamin C, improves skin health, and aids digestion. These are just a few of the benefits provided from each food/plant.
Why do you add herbs to salmon?
The fresh herb layer adds flavor, complementing the taste of the salmon without overpowering it, as well as protecting the fish from harsh heat. It also means you don’t have to make a sauce, since the herb layer provides plenty of flavor and texture. The herbs are up to you, but I like to use parsley, basil, and dill — tarragon is also nice.
What vegetables can you cook with salmon?
Quick-cooking veggies, like green beans, broccoli, peppers, or cherry tomatoes, may be able to cook right alongside the salmon. More starchy vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, may need a head start of 15 minutes or more. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.