Honestly, weeknight dinners at our house can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. We’re juggling work, school, extracurriculars, and the ever-present desire to eat something both healthy and genuinely delicious. For years, I struggled to find a fish recipe that checked all the boxes – quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and something the whole family, even my notoriously picky eaters, would actually enjoy. Then I stumbled upon this Garlic Dijon Baked Salmon recipe, and it was a revelation.

From the very first time I made it, the aroma wafting from the oven was intoxicating – a tantalizing blend of garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, hinting at the savory goodness to come. And the taste? Oh my goodness, the taste! The salmon emerges perfectly cooked – flaky, moist, and infused with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet glaze that’s simply irresistible. My kids, who previously considered fish “suspicious,” now cheer when they see salmon on the menu. This recipe has become a true weeknight staple, a reliable and delightful dish that never fails to impress. It’s incredibly versatile, pairs beautifully with countless sides, and is healthy to boot! If you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook salmon that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal effort, look no further. This Garlic Dijon Baked Salmon is about to become your new favorite too.

Ingredients for the Best Baked Salmon with Garlic Dijon

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the harmonious blend of just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary magic:

Salmon Fillets: 1.5 – 2 pounds of salmon fillets, skin on or off, about 1-1.5 inches thick. For the best flavor and texture, opt for center-cut fillets, which are more uniform in thickness and cook more evenly. You can use fresh or thawed frozen salmon. If using frozen, ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking. Consider varieties like Sockeye, Coho, or King salmon for their rich flavor and healthy fat content.
Dijon Mustard: 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard is the star of the glaze, providing a tangy, slightly spicy base that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon. Its complex flavor profile adds depth and sophistication to the dish. For a milder flavor, you can use a smooth Dijon. For a bit more kick, try a grainy Dijon.
Garlic: 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic flavor that permeates the salmon. Garlic adds a savory depth and warmth that balances the tanginess of the Dijon. Don’t be tempted to use pre-minced garlic from a jar, as the flavor is significantly less vibrant.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, adds a touch of acidity, and helps tenderize the salmon. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferable for its brighter, more vibrant taste compared to bottled juice.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil adds richness and moisture to the glaze, helping it adhere beautifully to the salmon. It also contributes healthy fats and a subtle fruity flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor and health benefits, but regular olive oil will also work.
Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. A touch of sweetness balances the tanginess of the Dijon and garlic, creating a more rounded and complex flavor profile. Honey or maple syrup both work wonderfully, adding a subtle sweetness and a beautiful glaze. For a vegan option, maple syrup is an excellent choice.
Fresh Herbs (Optional but Highly Recommended): 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme. Fresh herbs elevate the dish with their bright, aromatic notes. Parsley adds a fresh, clean flavor, dill offers a slightly citrusy and grassy note, and thyme provides an earthy, slightly minty aroma. Choose your favorite or a combination of herbs to customize the flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish, while black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice. Season generously to ensure the salmon is well-flavored. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for its superior flavor.

Instructions: Baking the Perfect Garlic Dijon Salmon

This recipe is incredibly straightforward and comes together in minutes. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, flavorful salmon every time:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating the oven ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and quickly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the salmon inside.
Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents the salmon from sticking to the pan. If using foil, lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to further prevent sticking.
Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better and ensures the salmon browns nicely. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) or directly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fillet for even cooking.
Make the Garlic Dijon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the glaze is smooth and emulsified.
Season the salmon. Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper. Ensure you season both sides if the skin is removed or just the top if skin-on.
Glaze the salmon. Generously brush the Garlic Dijon glaze evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Make sure each fillet is well coated with the flavorful glaze.
Bake the salmon. Place the baking sheet with the glazed salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. The salmon is done when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the salmon dry.
Garnish and serve. Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme) over the baked salmon for added freshness and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories

Detailed Breakdown (per serving, approximate):

Protein: 40-50 grams
Fat: 25-35 grams (primarily healthy fats from salmon and olive oil)
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12-18 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8-12 grams (including Omega-3 fatty acids)
Cholesterol: 100-120 mg
Sodium: 300-400 mg (can vary based on added salt)
Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
- Fiber: <1 gram
- Sugar: 3-5 grams (primarily from honey/maple syrup)

Key Nutritional Benefits of Salmon:

Excellent source of protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: Important for heart health, brain function, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall well-being.
Good source of Vitamin D: Important for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
Provides B vitamins: Essential for energy production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.
Contains Selenium: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports thyroid function.

This Garlic Dijon Baked Salmon is not only delicious but also a healthy and nutritious meal option, packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Preparation Time

This recipe is a winner for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep time.

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (includes mincing garlic, whisking glaze, and preparing salmon)
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (baking time in the oven)
Total Time: Approximately 22-30 minutes

From start to finish, you can have a delicious and healthy baked salmon dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals or when you need a flavorful dish in a hurry.

How to Serve Garlic Dijon Baked Salmon

This versatile salmon dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Vegetables:
- Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper is a classic and healthy pairing.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a healthy and neutral side to balance the richness of the salmon.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans with garlic add a flavorful and vibrant green element to the plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that complements salmon.
- Grilled Bell Peppers: Sweet and smoky grilled bell peppers provide a colorful and flavorful side dish.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon.
Grains and Starches:
- Quinoa: A healthy and protein-rich grain that’s a great base for the salmon.
- Brown Rice: Nutty brown rice is another wholesome and satisfying grain option.
- Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous is a quick and easy side dish.
- Roasted Potatoes: Classic roasted potatoes, whether rosemary roasted or garlic mashed, are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the meal.
Sauces and Toppings:
- Lemon Wedges: Always a must for squeezing over the salmon for extra brightness.
- Fresh Dill Sauce: A creamy dill sauce (yogurt or sour cream based) enhances the flavor of the salmon.
- Avocado Crema: A cool and creamy avocado crema adds richness and healthy fats.
- Salsa Verde: A vibrant salsa verde provides a zesty and herbaceous topping.

Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions:

Weeknight Dinner: Serve with steamed broccoli and quinoa for a quick and healthy meal.
Weekend Brunch: Pair with roasted asparagus and a fresh green salad for a lighter yet elegant brunch.
Dinner Party: Serve with roasted potatoes and garlic green beans for a more substantial and impressive dinner.
Summer BBQ: Grill the salmon instead of baking and serve with grilled bell peppers and couscous salad.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Garlic Dijon Salmon

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your Garlic Dijon Baked Salmon is always a success:

Choose High-Quality Salmon: Start with the best quality salmon you can find. Fresh, wild-caught salmon (when available and sustainable) often has the best flavor and texture. If using frozen salmon, ensure it’s thawed completely and pat it dry thoroughly before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Salmon is cooked perfectly when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Err on the side of slightly undercooked if you’re unsure; it will continue to cook slightly as it rests. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Marinate for Extra Flavor (Optional): While this recipe is quick, you can enhance the flavor even further by marinating the salmon in the Garlic Dijon glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the salmon more deeply.
Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: The recipe calls for honey or maple syrup to balance the Dijon. Adjust the amount to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey/maple syrup to ½ tablespoon or omit it entirely. You can also add a pinch of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
Broil for a Crispy Top (Optional): For a slightly caramelized and crispy top, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch it closely to prevent burning! This adds a delightful textural contrast to the flaky salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Baked Garlic Dijon Salmon

Q1: What type of salmon is best for baking?

A: Several types of salmon work well for baking. Sockeye, Coho, and King salmon are all excellent choices due to their rich flavor and higher fat content, which helps them stay moist during baking. Atlantic salmon is also a readily available and good option. Ultimately, choose a salmon that you enjoy and that is fresh or of good quality frozen.

Q2: Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

A: Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets. The recipe works well with both skin-on and skinless salmon. If using skin-on fillets, baking them skin-side down can help the skin crisp up slightly. If you prefer crispy skin, you can broil the salmon skin-side up for a minute or two at the end of cooking.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While freshly baked salmon is always best, you can prepare the Garlic Dijon glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the salmon in the glaze for a few hours in the refrigerator before baking. Cooked salmon is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to bake with the salmon?

A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables to the baking sheet to roast alongside the salmon. Vegetables that cook in a similar time frame, such as asparagus, broccoli florets, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes, work well. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and arrange them around the salmon on the baking sheet. Adjust baking time as needed to ensure both salmon and vegetables are cooked through.

Q5: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? Can I substitute it?

A: Dijon mustard is key to the flavor profile of this recipe, but if you absolutely don’t have it, you can try substituting with another type of mustard, such as whole grain mustard or even yellow mustard in a pinch. However, the flavor will be slightly different. Whole grain mustard will add a similar tang but with a different texture, while yellow mustard will be milder and less complex. For the best results, try to use Dijon mustard.

This Garlic Dijon Baked Salmon recipe is truly a weeknight dinner winner. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a regular part of your meal rotation too! Enjoy!