Garlic Citrus Baked Salmon
Meet your new weeknight favorite…
This simple sheet-pan dish bursts with fresh lemon/orange zest, loads of garlic, and classic Italian herbs (think oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary) that infuse wild-caught or sustainable salmon with zesty, aromatic flavor.
Baked to tender perfection, it's packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids for brain support, reduced inflammation, and hormone balance. Plus vitamin C from citrus to boost immunity and collagen production. High-protein, low-carb, and effortlessly elegant, it's the nourishing meal that tastes gourmet without the effort.
Let’s dig in!
Total time: 20 Minutes | Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, skin-on or skinless; wild-caught preferred)
2–3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (plus extra slices for garnish)
Zest and juice of 1 orange (optional for extra citrus brightness)
4–6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2–3 tablespoons)
1–2 tablespoons fresh Italian herbs (mix of chopped parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary; or 1–1½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend)
½–1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
Lemon/orange wedges and fresh parsley for serving
Instructions:
Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place in glass oven-safe baking dish.
Make Citrus-Herb Mix: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon/orange zest + juice, minced garlic, chopped/dried herbs, salt, pepper (and red flakes if using).
Coat Salmon: Place fillets skin-side down on the sheet. Spoon or brush the citrus-garlic-herb mixture generously over the tops and sides. Better to let marinate 10–15 min if time allows (optional). Top each fillet with a thin citrus slice.
Bake: Bake 12–18 minutes (depending on thickness) until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temp. For crispier top, broil last 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
Rest & Serve: Let rest 2–3 min. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and citrus wedges. Serve with roasted veggies, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition Facts
400 calories | 35 g protein | 24 g carbs | 25 g fat | 1 g fiber
Anti-inflammatory, GF, dairy-free, low carb, keto
Tatum’s Recipe Hacks:
🥦 My favorite pairing is lemon parmesan roasted broccoli, extra crispy. Because why stop at just one citrus dish, keep 'em comin'
❓ 🐟 Salmon is high in EPA/DHA omega-3s for heart, brain & joint health; excellent source of vitamin D, B12, selenium & astaxanthin (powerful antioxidant).
Let’s work together! Want individualized meal and snack ideas that align with your nutrition and wellness goals?
Contact me at tatum@equilibriumnutrition.net for more questions.
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Cheers to thriving together!
