Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon Dijon Marinade – Flaky, Flavorful, and Foolproof Every Time

Few main dishes strike the balance between elegance, healthiness, and simplicity as beautifully as a perfectly baked salmon fillet. Salmon is naturally rich, buttery, and tender, and when paired with a bright and savory marinade, it becomes a main course that tastes restaurant-quality yet comes together in minutes. Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon Dijon Marinade is one of those dishes that elevates weeknight meals while still being effortless enough for anyone to make.

This recipe is all about achieving that ideal flaky texture, letting the salmon bake gently until it reaches melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The marinade—a zesty blend of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs—infuses the fish with layers of flavor. As it bakes, the marinade caramelizes slightly around the edges, creating a beautifully glazed finish that tastes bright, tangy, savory, and subtly sweet.

The combination of lemon and Dijon is a classic for a reason: lemon brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the salmon, while Dijon adds depth, creaminess, and a hint of sharpness. Honey balances everything with a soft sweetness, and garlic gives the dish a rustic, aromatic backbone. When whisked together, the marinade coats the salmon in a glossy, flavorful layer that guarantees a delicious bite every time.

One of the wonderful things about this recipe is how customizable it can be. You can use any type of salmon fillet—wild-caught, farm-raised, skin-on, skinless, center cut, or tail pieces. The cooking method is forgiving, ensuring success whether you’re a seasoned cook or making salmon for the first time. The marinade comes together in under a minute, and the baking takes barely any effort.

Salmon also happens to be one of the healthiest proteins, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Baking it preserves moisture without the need for heavy fats, making this recipe both wholesome and deeply satisfying. Paired with roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or pasta, this dish is versatile enough to fit any meal plan.

But beyond practicality, the charm of this dish lies in its flavor. Each bite bursts with brightness from the lemon, savory complexity from the Dijon, and a touch of sweetness from honey. The edges of the salmon caramelize just slightly, while the inside stays juicy and tender. This simplicity is what makes it a staple in so many homes—once you taste it, it becomes part of your weekly meal rotation.

Let’s bring this delicious marinade to life and craft the perfect baked salmon that feels gourmet, wholesome, and effortless all at once.

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Ingredients:

Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices (for topping, optional)

Lemon Dijon Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven.
   Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Make the marinade.
   In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the salmon.
   Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Coat with marinade.
   Spoon or brush the lemon Dijon marinade generously over each salmon fillet. Add lemon slices on top if desired.
5. Bake the salmon.
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches your preferred doneness.
6. Rest and serve.
   Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving. Spoon extra pan juices over the top for maximum flavor.

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Tips & Tricks

• Check doneness early.
  Salmon cooks quickly—check at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Use fresh lemon.
  Fresh juice makes the marinade brighter and more flavorful.
• Don’t skip the zest.
  Lemon zest adds intense citrus flavor without extra moisture.
• Bake on high heat.
  400°F helps caramelize the edges for better flavor.
• Try wild salmon.
  It cooks a bit faster and has a deeper flavor.
• Add herbs.
  Fresh dill, parsley, or thyme elevate the dish beautifully.

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Variations

• Garlic Herb Salmon: Replace Dijon with extra garlic and herbs.
• Honey Mustard Salmon: Double the honey and mustard for a sweeter glaze.
• Spicy Dijon Salmon: Add chili flakes or a squeeze of sriracha.
• Sheet Pan Meal: Add asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli around the salmon.
• Lemon Butter Salmon: Add 2 tablespoons melted butter to the marinade.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, or lemon orzo
• Pair with steamed vegetables, green beans, or asparagus
• Add to salads or grain bowls for a lighter meal
• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or couscous
• Drizzle extra marinade juices over sides for extra flavor

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Storage Information

• Refrigerator: 2–3 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (best texture if frozen before baking)
• Reheat: Low heat in the oven or skillet; avoid microwaving too long
• Use leftovers: In pasta, salads, wraps, rice bowls, or scrambled eggs

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FAQ

Can I marinate the salmon ahead of time?
Yes—marinate up to 30 minutes. Longer may break down the fish.

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before baking.

Should I leave the skin on?
Skin-on helps retain moisture during baking. Remove after cooking if preferred.

Can I grill this?
Absolutely—grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes.

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History / Fun Facts

Salmon has been enjoyed for thousands of years, especially by coastal cultures in the Pacific Northwest and Scandinavia. Traditionally baked, grilled, or smoked, salmon’s versatility made it a staple protein around the world. The combination of lemon and mustard dates back to European cooking, where citrus and mustard were used to brighten and balance rich fish dishes. This modern Lemon Dijon marinade blends classic flavors with easy preparation for today’s busy kitchens.