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This easy baked salmon recipe features lemon, honey, and thyme. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of salmon. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is both gluten and dairy-free.

Overhead photo of parchment-lined baking dish with four salmon fillets with lemon and thyme on top.

A couple months ago my boyfriend and I went to a friend’s house for dinner and he made the most delicious salmon seasoned with thyme! I’d never thought to add thyme to salmon before, but I just knew I had to recreate it.

This recipe kicks it up a notch with additional flavours like honey, lemon, and garlic. Salmon is topped with these simple ingredients, then baked in the oven for a delicious dish that comes together in under 30 minutes!

As a dietitian, salmon is one of my favourite sources of protein and makes a nutritious main dish. It’s beyond easy to make, super versatile, and has tons of health benefits.

Want more salmon recipe inspiration? Check out my roundup of simple, healthy salmon recipes for more ideas!

Side angle photo of white bowl with arugula, baked honey lemon salmon, and brown rice.

This Recipe Is Only 8 Ingredients!

All you need to make this easy baked salmon recipe are 8 simple ingredients, many of which I’m sure you already have in your pantry:

  • Salmon fillets (fresh or previously frozen)
  • Lemon
  • Honey
  • Garlic
  • Thyme (I used fresh but you could use dried)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Full measurements and instructions are in the recipe card at the end of this post!

Overhead photo of wood cutting board with bowls of honey, olive oil, lemon, garlic, thyme, and salmon on a plate.

How To Bake Salmon Perfectly

Baking salmon in the oven is truly one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare it!

After years of making salmon this way, I feel like I’ve nailed down a foolproof method to cook it perfectly every time. I like my salmon to be buttery soft – there’s nothing worse than dry, overcooked salmon in my eyes.

What temperature should you cook salmon at? 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 degrees Celsius)

How long should you cook salmon?

  • For individual pieces of salmon: 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish
  • For a whole fillet of fish: 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness
  • Tip: aim for the shorter end of the time window and then check your salmon to see if it’s done by slicing into it. If it’s still very raw, you can throw it in for another minute or two.

Here’s exactly how I cook salmon in the oven:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Wash salmon fillets and pat them dry.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon fillets on top, making sure to leave adequate space between them.
  4. Drizzle fillets with olive oil (approx. 1/2 to 1 tsp each fillet). Then, crack sea salt and pepper overtop. Here’s where you would add other seasonings too, depending on the recipe.
  5. Once oven is heated, place salmon in for 10-12 MINUTES ONLY.
  6. Remove from oven. Salmon should be cooked but still tender and moist.

Other Possible Cooking Methods?

If you’d prefer, this salmon could also be cooked on the grill! It would work great wrapped in foil and grilled on medium-high heat for about 10-15 mins (depending on thickness). Cooking the salmon in foil helps to keep it nice and moist.

For a crispy, pan-seared salmon, I would recommend searing in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. When done, you can add the honey, lemon, and thyme before serving.

Side angle photo of parchment-lined baking dish with three salmon fillets with lemon and thyme on top.

How Long Can You Store Baked Salmon?

Cooked salmon will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

You can reheat salmon in the oven, stovetop, or microwave, although it will compromise the texture a little. Because of this, I often like eating any leftover salmon cold. Throw it into a salad or add it to a sandwich or wrap!

Salmon Nutrition Facts

Along with being delicious and versatile, there are so many incredible health benefits of eating salmon:

  • it’s very high in protein – just 3 ounces provides 17 grams; a 6 ounce piece will give you 34 grams!
  • it’s rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s.
    • omega-3s are known to support heart health, brain health, and to reduce inflammation overall
  • it’s an excellent source of B vitamins like B12, B6, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.
    • B vitamins act as coenzymes in many important metabolic processes throughout your body, such as turning the food we eat into energy!
Side angle photo of parchment-lined baking dish with three pieces of baked salmon fillets with lemon and thyme on top.

What to Serve With Baked Salmon

To balance out this meal, I recommend serving this honey lemon oven-baked salmon (a source of protein) with a side of complex carbohydrates and/or veggies. Some of the dishes below involve roasting veggies too – you can add them to the oven along with the salmon for a really easy meal!

Healthy Starch Dishes:

Healthy Veggie Sides:

Overhead photo of a white bowl with arugula, baked honey lemon salmon, and brown rice inside.

More Healthy Salmon Recipes

Did you give this Honey Lemon Oven-Baked Salmon With Thyme a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!

Get the Recipe: Baked Honey-Lemon Salmon With Thyme

This easy baked salmon recipe features lemon and thyme. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of salmon and is ready in under 30 minutes!
Overhead photo of parchment-lined baking dish with four salmon fillets with lemon and thyme on top.
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Ingredients

  • 4 fillets of salmon (4-6 oz each)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp thyme, fresh (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt + pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon fillets on top, making sure to leave adequate space between them.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and minced garlic. Evenly brush salmon fillets with this mixture and add salt + pepper.
  • Slice lemon into thin half-moons and place on top of salmon. Sprinkle thyme on top.
  • Transfer baking sheet to the oven and bake salmon for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. Remove and serve with a side of grain, greens, or salad!

Notes

*STORAGE: cooked salmon will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
*LEFTOVERS/REHEATING: You can reheat salmon in the oven, stovetop, or microwave, although it will compromise the texture a little. Because of this, I often like eating any leftover salmon cold. Throw it into a salad or add it to a sandwich or wrap!
*SERVE WITH: To balance out this meal, I recommend serving this salmon (a source of protein) with a side of complex carbohydrates, cooked veggies, or a salad. There are a bunch of ideas linked higher up in this post!

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!

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Pinterest graphic for a honey lemon baked salmon with thyme recipe.
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