Easy Baked GF Salmon with Herbs (Simple & Healthy Recipe)

Easy Baked GF Salmon with Herbs

Looking for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly simple weeknight dinner that’s naturally gluten-free? You’ve found it! This Easy Baked GF Salmon with Herbs recipe is a game-changer for busy evenings.

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and it cooks up remarkably fast. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: a few fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a hot oven are all you need to transform a simple fillet into a tender, flaky, flavor-packed meal. No complex techniques, no obscure ingredients—just pure, unadulterated deliciousness.

Why you will love this baked salmon recipe:

• Naturally Gluten-Free: Salmon is naturally GF, and this recipe keeps it that way, making it perfect for everyone.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Rich in protein and omega-3s, it’s a guilt-free dinner option.
• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes! Ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with almost any side dish.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh, skin-on or skin-off salmon fillets about 1-inch thick.

Wild-caught salmon (like Sockeye or Coho) generally has a richer flavor and firmer texture, while farmed Atlantic salmon tends to be fattier and more buttery. Both work beautifully!

Fresh Herbs: This is where the flavor comes alive! I love a mix of dill, parsley, and chives. You can also use thyme, rosemary, or tarragon.

Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps crisp the skin (if cooking skin-on).

Lemon: Fresh lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens all the flavors.

Herb Substitutions

• Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs, but use about 1/3 the amount (e.g., 1 tsp dried dill for 1 Tbsp fresh).
• Garlic: For an extra punch, add 1-2 minced garlic cloves to the herb mixture.
• Spice Rub: Instead of herbs, try a simple spice rub like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Tips For Success

1. Pat Dry: Always pat your salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin get crispy (if cooking skin-on) and prevents steaming.
2. Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly! A general rule of thumb is 10 minutes per inch of thickness at 40F200C. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork, or an internal thermometer reads 145F630C.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the salmon from sticking.
4. Skin Up or Down? If you like crispy skin, bake skin-side up. If you prefer to remove the skin easily after baking, bake skin-side down.

Step-By-Step Photos and Directions:

1. Prep Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

1. 2. Season: Drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
   3. Add Lemon: Place lemon slices over each fillet, or around them on the baking sheet.
   4. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven for 12-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until cooked through and flaky.
   5. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I know when salmon is done? The easiest way is with a fork. Gently insert a fork into the thickest part; if it flakes easily, it’s done. The color should change from translucent to opaque throughout.
• Can I use frozen salmon? Yes! Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator. Pat it very dry before seasoning and baking.
• What sides pair well with this salmon? Roasted asparagus, quinoa, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad are all excellent choices.

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Easy Baked GF Salmon with Herbs

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl (for mixing herbs)

Ingredients 1x2x3x

• 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or off
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 small lemon, sliced or cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400Celcius F200C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season Salmon: Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle with chopped dill, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Lemon: Place lemon slices directly on top of each salmon fillet, or scatter lemon wedges around them.
4. Bake: Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
5. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh herbs.
• Do not overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

SPECIAL NOTE

If you prefer extra crispy skin, try broiling the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Nutrition

(Note: This nutritional analysis is an estimate for one serving, assuming 2 total servings, using a 6-ounce salmon fillet.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Estimated)
Calories	400kcal
Protein	34g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Carbohydrates	2 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	0 g
Cholesterol	100 mg
Sodium	650mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutritional information provided is an estimate based on third-party calculators and assumes 2 equal servings of a 6-ounce salmon fillet. Values may vary significantly depending on the specific type of salmon (wild-caught vs. farmed), the amount of olive oil used, and the precise measurements of herbs and salt. This information is for general guidance only.