Marinated Salmon with Garlic and Herbs

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Marinated Salmon with Garlic and Herbs

I love salmon—its flavor is simply irresistible! So here’s a healthy and gourmet dish you’re going to love: Marinated Salmon with Garlic and Herbs. It comes together in just 25 minutes and is packed with fresh, natural flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without leaving home. Let’s make it!

Servings:4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45 ml)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

What You’ll Need

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Pastry brush (optional)
Small mixing bowl
Preheated oven

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Did You Know?

Salmon isn’t always pink naturally—its color comes from eating a diet rich in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant also found in krill. So basically, your salmon was eating superfoods before you were!

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Don’t skip this step—it’s key to getting your salmon evenly cooked and full of flavor. If your oven has a convection setting, feel free to use it, but it's totally fine without it.
Make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, chives, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir gently until everything is nicely blended.
Prepare the baking sheet: Now place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Seriously, don’t skip the lining—your future self will thank you when it’s cleanup time. Also, make sure the fillets aren’t touching so they cook evenly.
Marinate the salmon: Time to add all that flavor! Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat each fillet with the marinade. Be sure to distribute the garlic and herbs evenly. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes—longer is even better if you can, so the flavors really soak in.
Bake: You’re almost there! Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: That’s it! Easy, right? Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh lemon slices, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Ingredient Substitutions

Parsley: You can swap it for fresh cilantro if you like bolder flavors, or use a bit of basil for a sweeter touch.
Chives: Dill is a great alternative—it’s even more aromatic and brings a fresh twist.
Lemon juice: No lemons? Apple cider vinegar or orange juice will work too, just keep in mind they’ll change the flavor profile a bit.
Olive oil: A light vegetable oil will do the job, though the flavor will be more neutral.
Red pepper flakes: If you’re not into spicy, feel free to skip them—no harm done!

Preparation Tips

Extended marinating: If you’ve got the time, marinate the salmon in the fridge for up to 2 hours to really boost the flavor.
Pat the fillets dry: Gently pat the salmon with a paper towel before marinating—it helps the marinade stick better and cook more evenly.
Prevent sticking: Use parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet for easier cleanup and to keep the fish from sticking.
For a golden finish: Turn on the broiler during the last 2 minutes of baking to get a lightly crisped top—but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Healthy fats: 19 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Natural sugars: 0 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Sodium: 120 mg

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is a fantastic source of lean, high-quality protein thanks to the salmon, which also brings in omega-3 fatty acids—famous for supporting heart and brain health. Garlic and fresh herbs not only add bold flavor but also provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. And the olive oil? It delivers healthy fats that help boost your metabolism and support your immune system. It’s a light, wholesome, gourmet meal that’s perfect if you want to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Storage: You can store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—no problem.
Microwave reheating: If you're reheating in the microwave, heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes with a microwave-safe cover.
Oven reheating: Honestly, it’s better in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 8–10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Cold serving: This dish is also delicious cold—try it in salads, wraps, or grain bowls for a light and refreshing meal.
Can you freeze it?: Absolutely. Let the cooked salmon cool completely, then freeze it in well-sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Inspiration

This recipe came from wanting a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and elegant—with zero stress. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, it uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s perfect when you want to eat well but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with a spinach salad with strawberries and walnuts.
Serve with brown rice flavored with lime and cilantro.
Steamed asparagus with garlic butter is a perfect side.
For a refreshing drink, try a ginger-mint lemonade.
And for dessert? A light yogurt and berry mousse hits the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen salmon? Totally! Just make sure to fully thaw it and pat it dry before marinating.

What’s the minimum marinating time? 10 minutes works fine, but if you’ve got more time—up to 2 hours—it’ll taste even better.

Can I cook it in a pan instead of the oven? Definitely. Just cook over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side.

Is this low-carb friendly? Yep! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats—perfect for low-carb diets.

Can I use a different fish? Sure! It also works great with trout, tilapia, or even mahi-mahi.

Recipe Variations

Sweet touch: Add a little honey or maple syrup to the marinade to balance the garlic and give it a delicious contrast.
Richer version: Swap the olive oil for melted butter for a creamier texture and deeper flavor.

Scandinavian style: Try marinating the salmon with Dijon mustard and fresh dill for a Nordic twist—perfect if you love herbal flavors.
Air fryer option: For a quicker method, cook it in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Citrusy twist: Add a little grated orange or lime zest to the marinade for a bright, fresh flavor—perfect for warmer days.

And that’s it! Now that you’ve got this delicious recipe for Marinated Salmon with Garlic and Herbs, go ahead and give it a try. It’s something special—healthy, flavorful, and perfect for home cooking. You’ll see how everyone falls in love with the taste and aroma of this dish. Happy cooking!

Tastes of La Paz.