Life gets busy in my kitchen as soon as school lets out and everyone’s hungry—including me. Salmon has saved many a dinnertime when the clock’s pushing six, the fridge isn’t as full as I’d hoped, and I want something both comforting and quick. Over the years, I’ve tucked lots of baked salmon recipes into my weeknight rotation, usually riffing on whatever odds and ends I have in the crisper or pantry. There’s something about sliding a tray in the oven and having dinner come together—flaky, tender, and full of flavor—with minimal fuss and maximum vibes. This collection of 13+ baked salmon recipes for easy weeknight dinners is basically my roll call when dinner needs to happen and takeout just isn’t going to cut it.
Honey Garlic Baked Salmon
Why You’ll Love It:
This one’s the ultimate go-to for when you’re short on time but craving something a little special. The sweet and garlicky glaze is a crowd-pleaser (kids especially go for it), and it comes together with pantry staples. I pull this out on evenings when I need comfort, warmth, and guaranteed clean plates without making a mess.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Brush the honey garlic mixture over the salmon. Top each with a lemon slice.
- Bake 15–18 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a gentle heat.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Dill Salmon with Veggies
Why You’ll Love It:
This is an entire dinner on one tray—super minimal cleanup. Roast everything together so the salmon soaks up the flavors of the lemon, dill, and seasonal vegetables. I use whatever veggies I need to clear out.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 carrots, cut into sticks
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potatoes, carrots, and zucchini with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on baking sheet.
- Roast veggies 10 minutes.
- Remove pan, add salmon fillets, brush with remaining olive oil, and add lemon slices and dill on top.
- Return to oven 15 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and veggies are tender.
Meal Prep Tip: Portion leftovers into lunch containers—delicious warm or cold the next day.
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon
Why You’ll Love It:
When you want something with a sweet-and-savory twist, this is it. The maple and mustard make the salmon sing and the leftovers are really good for salad or grain bowls the next day.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix maple syrup, Dijon, olive oil, and garlic in a bowl.
- Place salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet, season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon glaze over salmon.
- Bake 15 minutes or until just cooked.
- Top with chives.
Best Pairings: Roasted broccoli, brown rice, or a green salad.
Pesto Crusted Baked Salmon
Why You’ll Love It:
Cheesy basil pesto plus panko makes the perfect crispy topping for salmon. This is one of those recipes that feels fancy for zero extra effort—great for a midweek date night or when you want to impress the kids.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on parchment-lined baking tray, season lightly.
- Spread a spoonful of pesto over each fillet.
- Mix panko, Parmesan, and olive oil; press on top of pesto.
- Bake 15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Swap This With That: Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a Mediterranean twist.
Oven-Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a favorite for teriyaki-loving kids and adults alike. The sauce gets sticky in the oven, so you don’t even need to marinate. Leftovers are great over noodles or salads.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil.
- Whisk teriyaki sauce, soy, honey, and ginger.
- Arrange salmon in dish; pour sauce over.
- Bake 15–17 minutes until salmon is sticky.
- Top with sesame seeds and scallions.
Meal Prep Tip: Double the teriyaki sauce and keep extra in the fridge for quick stir-fries.
Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach & Artichoke
Why You’ll Love It:
This feels like the salmon version of everyone’s favorite cheesy dip. The creamy topping keeps the fish moist, and it’s a cozy option when you want something a little decadent without a lot of fuss. Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup canned quartered artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/3 cup light cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, yogurt, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon on a lined tray. Top with spinach-artichoke mix.
- Bake 14 minutes until salmon is cooked and topping is golden.
Serving Idea: Serve alongside orzo tossed with lemon and olive oil.
Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Olives & Tomatoes
Why You’ll Love It:
A bright, vibrant dish for when you want a vacation-on-a-plate. Briny olives, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of oregano make this a refreshing change of pace. It’s my go-to when tomatoes are sweetest.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 lemon, cut in wedges
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scatter tomatoes, olives, and onion in a baking dish. Toss with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Nestle salmon fillets among veggies.
- Roast 15 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges and parsley.
Best Pairings: Crusty bread, couscous, or a Greek salad.
Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon
Why You’ll Love It:
Golden Parmesan and tiny breadcrumbs add irresistible crunch to salmon. It feels like an upgrade—even on a weeknight when you have little energy. Serve with veggies for a dinner that’s surprisingly elegant for the effort.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet.
- Combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, olive oil, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Lay salmon on sheet, season.
- Press crust onto top of fillets.
- Bake 14–16 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the panko-Parmesan mixture.
Baked Salmon with Herby Yogurt Sauce
Why You’ll Love It:
Cooling yogurt with fresh herbs is just the thing alongside hot salmon. This is a good option when you don’t want something heavy, and it works year-round—especially with herbs from the garden.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
- While salmon cooks, mix yogurt, dill, mint, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve salmon with a dollop of sauce and extra herbs.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overbake the salmon—start checking it after 12 minutes for flaky perfection.
Baked Salmon with Roasted Broccoli & Rice
Why You’ll Love It:
This is truly a one-pan dinner—salmon, broccoli, and even rice all bake together. It’s a workhorse recipe for when you want minimal dishes but a hearty, nourishing meal.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 2 scallions, sliced
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread cooked rice in the bottom of a large baking dish; scatter broccoli over rice.
- Lay salmon on top; season and add lemon slices.
- Bake 35 minutes until salmon and broccoli are cooked.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen broccoli and leftover rice to save time and money.
Miso Baked Salmon
Why You’ll Love It:
If you crave those umami-salty flavors from your favorite Japanese restaurant, this is always a hit. Miso paste gives the salmon a complex, savory edge and the skin crisps up beautifully.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp mirin (or dry white wine)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Stir together miso paste, mirin, soy, and brown sugar.
- Brush miso glaze over the salmon.
- Bake 12–14 minutes until caramelized.
- Top with scallions and sesame seeds.
Flavor Boost: Finish with a spritz of lime juice for zing.
Baked Salmon with Mustard & Herbs
Why You’ll Love It:
Old-school, classic, and always reliable. Mustard and a fresh herb blend keep things lively. This is my reliable “pantry is bare, but still want to eat well” solution.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 9 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon or dill
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine mustards, herbs, and olive oil.
- Brush mixture over salmon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake 15 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
Best Pairings: Roasted potatoes, green beans, and a simple vinaigrette salad.
Baked Salmon with Everything Bagel Crust
Why You’ll Love It:
Everything bagel seasoning is my shortcut to big flavor with zero fuss—crunchy, savory, and a little nostalgic. Great for an easy dinner that feels playful and different.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 4 oz whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush salmon with olive oil.
- Sprinkle seasoning on top of each fillet, pressing gently.
- Bake 15 minutes.
- Serve with cream cheese and cucumber.
Personal Note: My family loves this recipe for easy “bagel night”—no bread needed.
Baked Salmon Fajita Packets
Why You’ll Love It:
Southwest flavors meet zero-mess baking. Everyone gets their own foil packet, so you can personalize the veggies or spice level. This is my solution for a hands-off dinner when I want everyone happy.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fajita seasoning
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut four pieces of foil and divide peppers and onions among them. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Lay salmon on top. Seal packets.
- Bake 18 minutes.
- Open packets, sprinkle with cilantro, and give a squeeze of lime.
Favorite Pairings: Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, or a corn salad.
Baked Salmon Piccata
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a fun twist on chicken piccata—bright and briny, thanks to capers and lemon. Quick enough for a work night, but it feels special.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup chicken or veggie broth
- 3 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic, and cook 1 minutes. Add broth, capers, and lemon; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Place salmon in baking dish, pour sauce over.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake 16 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip the rinse on capers or the dish will be too salty.
FAQ
What’s the best type of salmon to use for baking?
Both wild-caught and farmed salmon work nicely. For milder flavor and sturdy texture, choose Atlantic salmon. For richer flavor and firmer texture, go wild-caught if you can.
How do I know when baked salmon is done?
Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center. Start checking a couple minutes before the recipe’s minimum time—overbaking dries it out.
Can I bake salmon from frozen?
Yes, just allow a few extra minutes in the oven and add sauces or seasoning after it’s thawed slightly during baking to help everything stick.
Can I prep these baked salmon recipes ahead of time?
Definitely. Most glazes or toppings can be made in advance. You can also assemble everything on a lined tray, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion
Weeknight dinner shouldn’t be another stressor, and salmon is a true friend when you need an easy meal that feels special. With this mix of 13+ baked salmon recipes for easy weeknight dinners, you can count on something flavorful, nourishing, and never boring—no matter the contents of your fridge or your cooking confidence. What I love most: these recipes are flexible, forgiving, and work just as well for solo suppers as they do for a table packed with family and friends. Try swapping in your favorite herbs, tossing in extra veggies, or mixing up sauces. With every batch, you’ll find what works for your taste and your pace. Here’s to more cozy nights, cleaner plates, and salmon dinners that you actually look forward to making and sharing.
