Salmon is one of the most versatile and healthful proteins you can bring to your table, but when it’s baked with garlic, Dijon mustard, and a touch of lemon, it becomes a weeknight dinner superstar. This Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon Recipe is the definition of simple elegance. It packs bold flavors, minimal ingredients, and requires almost zero cleanup thanks to its foil-baked method. It’s one of those rare dishes that feel special enough for guests yet easy enough to throw together in 25 minutes flat.
What makes this recipe a household favorite is its powerful punch of flavor. The Dijon mustard brings a gentle tang, the garlic adds warmth, and the fresh lemon zest brightens everything. The result? Perfectly moist, flaky salmon that melts in your mouth with every bite. No dry, flavorless fish here—just juicy, seasoned perfection.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this salmon dish is practically foolproof. It uses fresh ingredients, requires no complicated prep, and lets the natural richness of the salmon shine through. Even picky eaters tend to fall in love with this one.
Another win? It’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it friendly for a variety of diets. You can serve it with roasted vegetables, a side salad, mashed potatoes, or a simple bed of rice. Its adaptability makes it a cornerstone meal that you can reinvent again and again.
Garlic and Dijon are a classic combination that amplifies the salmon without overwhelming it. The mustard creates a thin crust on top of the fish, sealing in juices while giving the surface a slight golden char. The minced garlic infuses throughout, turning mellow and slightly sweet as it roasts.
Because this salmon is baked in foil, cleanup is a breeze. Just toss the foil when you’re done and you’re left with nothing but a clean pan and satisfied diners. This also means it’s a fantastic recipe for meal prep—cook a few fillets, refrigerate, and enjoy throughout the week.
And let’s not ignore the nutritional profile: salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and a spectrum of vitamins like B12 and D. When paired with heart-healthy garlic and antioxidant-rich lemon zest, you’re getting a dinner that’s as good for your body as it is for your palate.
This dish isn’t just good food. It’s smart food. It’s food that loves you back. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Wednesday or hosting friends for a weekend dinner party, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the stress.
You’ll love how fast and effortlessly it comes together. From fridge to fork in under 30 minutes, it might just become your new favorite go-to.
Even better, this recipe scales easily. Cooking for two? Halve it. Feeding a crowd? Double or triple the portions with no extra hassle. The technique remains the same, and the results are always stellar.
The flavor profile is timeless. It never goes out of style, and it never gets old. Pair it with your favorite Chardonnay or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon, and you’re golden.
If you’ve struggled to get your salmon just right in the past, this recipe is your game-changer. The foil lock-in method ensures consistent results, even for beginner cooks.
So go ahead. Impress yourself. Impress your dinner guests. But most importantly, make something that actually tastes as good as it looks—and this salmon delivers in spades.
Servings
4 servings
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Season each fillet with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the garlic-Dijon mixture evenly over the top of each fillet and spread with the back of a spoon.
- Fold the foil up around the salmon to create a loose tent. This traps heat and moisture, cooking the salmon evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and carefully open the foil. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but thawed frozen fillets work great too.
- For a bolder crust, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Don’t overbake—salmon continues cooking slightly after you remove it from the oven.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mustard mixture if you like a little heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salmon is flavorful, flaky, and perfectly cooked every time. The garlic and Dijon give it character, while the lemon brightens every bite. It’s fast, easy, and totally satisfying. Great for weeknights, fancy enough for weekends.
Easy, healthy, and packed with flavor, this Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon is a must-try for every home cook. Quick prep, minimal cleanup, and results that wow every time.
