Baked Dijon Salmon
Baked Dijon Salmon is a quick, flavorful dinner featuring tender, flaky salmon coated in a sweet and tangy Dijon glaze. Made with honey, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, this simple yet elegant dish comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or light, healthy meals, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Healthy & Protein-Rich – Packed with omega-3s and lean protein.
- Sweet & Savory Glaze – Dijon, honey, and lemon create perfect balance.
- Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples.
- Perfect for Weeknights – Quick prep and simple cleanup.
- Elegant Yet Simple – Great for both casual dinners and guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Adds bold, tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Balances acidity with natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens and enhances freshness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds richness and helps glaze adhere.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Provides aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances overall flavor.
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets – Rich, flaky base of the dish.
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional) – Adds color and fresh finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Arrange the Salmon
Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
Glaze the Fillets
Spoon or brush the Dijon mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Bake Until Flaky
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Choose Fatty Salmon – King, Sockeye, or sustainably raised Atlantic salmon stay moist and tender.
- Bake Immediately After Glazing – Lemon juice can begin “cooking” the fish if left sitting too long.
- Slightly Undercook – Remove salmon when internal temperature reaches 135°F at the thickest part; it will continue cooking as it rests.
- Don’t Overbake – Overcooking leads to dryness.
- Line the Pan – Parchment makes cleanup easier.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 292 kcal per serving
Per Serving:
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
- Sodium: 457mg
- Potassium: 721mg
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium: 72mg
- Iron: 1mg
Perfect Pairings
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Quinoa salad
- Sparkling water or white wine
Ideal Occasions
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Healthy meal prep
- Light summer meals
- Simple dinner parties
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature to avoid drying out.
- Can be flaked and added to salads or grain bowls.
- Not recommended for freezing after cooking for best texture.
Creative Variations to Try
- Maple Dijon – Replace honey with maple syrup.
- Herb Crusted – Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Finish – Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the glaze.
- Citrus Twist – Add orange zest for extra brightness.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Salmon too dry – Reduce cooking time slightly.
- Glaze sliding off – Pat salmon dry before applying glaze.
- Fish overcooked – Use a thermometer to check for 135°F internal temperature.
- Too tangy – Add a touch more honey to balance flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of Dijon mustard and honey creates a balanced glaze that caramelizes slightly in the oven, enhancing both sweetness and tang. Olive oil prevents dryness, while lemon juice brightens the richness of the salmon. Baking at high heat allows the fish to cook quickly and evenly, preserving moisture and creating tender, flaky results.
Final Thoughts
Baked Dijon Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. With its bold glaze and tender texture, it’s a reliable go-to recipe for busy evenings or when you want something light, fresh, and satisfying.
