Zesty Citrusy Baked Salmon

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a burst of sunshine on your plate with our Zesty Citrusy Baked Salmon. This dish combines the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with a vibrant citrus twist, making it the perfect option for a refreshing, light meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Citrusy Baked Salmon

The star of the show is the salmon fillet, providing a rich, hearty base for the dish. Olive oil adds moisture and helps carry the flavors of the seasoning. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances the natural taste of the salmon. Garlic brings a subtle depth and aromatic quality. The trio of orange, lemon, and lime zests and juices infuse the dish with a vibrant, tangy flavor. Honey adds a hint of sweetness to balance the citrus. Finally, fresh dill gives a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra crispy topping, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
  • If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking.
  • Use a microplane for zesting the citrus fruits to avoid the bitter white pith.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier option, serve it with a side of quinoa or couscous to soak up the delicious citrus juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, this recipe works well with other firm fish like trout or cod.
What can I use instead of fresh dill?
If you’re out of dill, try using parsley or basil for a different, but equally delicious, flavor.

Zesty Citrusy Baked Salmon Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This is crucial because you want your oven nice and hot to cook the salmon evenly. While that’s heating up, go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step saves a ton of cleanup later.

Next, place your salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle it generously with olive oil. Don’t be shy; this helps keep the salmon moist and flavorful. Sprinkle on the salt and black pepper to season it to perfection.

In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, lime zest and juice, and honey. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour this citrus mixture over the salmon, making sure it’s evenly covered. You want that zesty goodness in every bite!

Sprinkle the fresh dill over the top of the salmon. This herb not only adds a pop of color but also a lovely fresh flavor that ties everything together.

Pop the salmon into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • The citrus blend adds a refreshing zing that complements the salmon beautifully.
  • Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, it's as nutritious as it is delicious.
  • Minimal cleanup with a one-pan preparation method.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs salmon fillet
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange, zest and juice
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 lime, zest and juice
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp honey

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, lime zest and juice, and honey. Mix well.
4. Pour the citrus mixture over the salmon, ensuring it is evenly covered.
5. Sprinkle fresh dill over the top of the salmon.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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