Are you looking for delicious and healthy dinner recipes that won't derail your Weight Watchers journey? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for Lemon Herb Baked Salmon is a perfect example of how easy it is to create satisfying, flavorful meals that are also good for you. It's a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and requires minimal cleanup – a definite win-win! This recipe is packed with flavor and is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 (4-6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme – or a mix!), chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add Lemon & Herbs: Arrange lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. Sprinkle generously with the chopped fresh herbs.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
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Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This easy recipe pairs perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs and good olive oil will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in a lemon-herb mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
Variations:
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Mediterranean Salmon: Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives during the last few minutes of baking.
- Garlic & Parmesan Salmon: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic powder before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g
This delicious and healthy Lemon Herb Baked Salmon is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of Weight Watchers dinner recipes. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the simplicity and the incredible flavor! Remember to always check your personal Weight Watchers points values based on your specific plan. This recipe is a great starting point for creating many delicious and healthy meals. Happy cooking!