Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further! This baked salmon recipe with a zesty lemon-dill mayonnaise is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant dish – a true champion among easy recipes and healthy meals!
Ingredients:
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For the Salmon:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For the Lemon-Dill Mayonnaise:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step for homemade cooking, ensuring a stress-free experience.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Top each fillet with lemon slices and sprinkle with chopped dill.
Making the Lemon-Dill Mayonnaise:
- While the salmon is baking, prepare the mayonnaise. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, and Dijon mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice to your preferred level of tartness.
Baking the Salmon:
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it's cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- A quick tip for perfectly cooked salmon: use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serving:
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Dollop the lemon-dill mayonnaise generously over the salmon fillets. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and healthy dish!
Tips for the Best Baked Salmon:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer for foolproof results.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference! Using fresh dill elevates the flavor of both the salmon and the mayonnaise.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
Variations:
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Salmon: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the mayonnaise or sprinkle it over the salmon before baking.
- Herb variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-3g
This baked salmon recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. It's a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food can be simple to prepare. Enjoy!