10+ Healthy Salmon Recipes You’ll Love to Try Today
Salmon’s a top pick when you want a healthy, tasty meal. It’s loaded with good fats and protein, so you’ll feel strong and satisfied after eating it.
You can whip up salmon in lots of easy ways, and most don’t take much time at all.
Healthy salmon recipes make eating well feel simple and doable. Whether you’re into baked, grilled, or pan-seared salmon, you’ve got plenty of options to match your mood or schedule.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fish.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add minced garlic.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
1) Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
This lemon garlic baked salmon is about as simple and quick as it gets. You get a fresh, bright kick from lemon and that savory garlic hit.
It’s a solid choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. The salmon bakes up tender and flaky, and you barely need any ingredients.
Serve it with veggies or rice—honestly, whatever you’ve got on hand. Cleanup’s a breeze, and there’s no fuss.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a baking tray lined with foil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper onto each fillet.
- Lay lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and serve warm.
Check out this lemon garlic salmon recipe if you want a step-by-step.
2) Salmon Tray Bake with Veggies
This salmon tray bake is a lifesaver on busy nights. You throw salmon and veggies together on one tray, pop it in the oven, and that’s dinner.
It saves time and means fewer dishes—can’t complain about that. Use whatever vegetables you like: asparagus, tomatoes, bell peppers, you name it.
Garlic and lemon give everything a fresh punch. The fish stays moist, and the veggies get soft and flavorful.
Switch up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge. This recipe is flexible and great for meal prep, too.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Asparagus spears
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon and veggies on a baking tray.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked and veggies are soft.
- Optionally, add parmesan in the last 5 minutes.
If you want more tips, here’s a lemon garlic salmon tray bake recipe.
3) Healthy BBQ Salmon Sheet Pan
You can make a healthy BBQ salmon dinner all on one sheet pan. Start by roasting your favorite veggies first.
Add BBQ-rubbed salmon fillets to the pan after the veggies get a head start. The salmon cooks fast and soaks up all that BBQ flavor.
Pair it with chipotle sweet potatoes or lemon garlic green beans if you want. It’s a go-to for weeknights when you want something healthy and not complicated.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1-2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., green beans, bell peppers)
- 1-2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp BBQ seasoning or rub
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potatoes and vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan.
- Roast veggies for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle BBQ seasoning on salmon.
- Add salmon to sheet pan and roast for 12-15 more minutes until cooked through.
4) Air Fryer Salmon with Old Bay
Air fryer salmon with Old Bay is ridiculously easy. Just season the salmon with Old Bay and a little garlic powder, then let the air fryer do its thing.
The outside gets a little crispy, but the inside stays juicy. It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes.
Cleanup is fast, and you barely need any ingredients. Serve with veggies or a fresh salad if you want to keep it light.
The Old Bay brings a mild, spicy kick, but it’s not overwhelming.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Old Bay seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush salmon with olive oil.
- Sprinkle Old Bay and garlic powder evenly on both sides.
- Place salmon in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges if you like.
Want the full scoop? Here’s an air fryer Old Bay salmon recipe.
5) Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Craving something rich but still on the healthy side? Creamy Tuscan salmon is the answer.
Pan-sear the salmon so it’s crispy outside and tender inside. Then pour over a creamy sauce with garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan.
The sauce is easy, but you’d never guess it from the taste. It comes together fast, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night.
Fresh spinach and tomatoes add color and a vitamin boost. Serve with rice, pasta, or even a green salad.
This dish feels a little fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook salmon 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove salmon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese; cook until sauce thickens.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Return salmon to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Cook 1-2 more minutes.
- Serve warm.
Full details here: Creamy Tuscan Salmon – Salt & Lavender.
6) Salmon Burgers with Avocado
Salmon burgers are a fresh, healthy swap for regular burgers. You can cook them on the grill or the stovetop, whatever works.
Avocado gives the burger a creamy texture and a nutrition boost. These burgers are packed with protein and healthy fats.
Add an avocado salsa or sauce for extra flavor. It’s a quick meal that still feels like a treat.
Skip the bun for low-carb, or use whole grain bread if you’re feeling it. Either way, you get a satisfying, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Cooking Instructions
- Mix salmon, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a pan or on the grill over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Serve with diced avocado or avocado salsa.
7) Salmon and Quinoa Salad
You can throw together a salmon and quinoa salad in about 20 minutes. Just combine cooked salmon, quinoa, and fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes.
It’s light but filling—great for lunch or dinner. Toss in some arugula or mixed greens if you want more freshness.
Dress it with lemon or balsamic vinaigrette, or go creamy with a yogurt dressing. Use baked or pan-seared salmon, whatever’s easier.
Just cook the salmon till it flakes and mix it with the quinoa and veggies. That’s it.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Quinoa
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Arugula or mixed greens
- Lemon or balsamic vinaigrette (or yogurt dressing)
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook 1 cup quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- Bake or pan-sear salmon at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Chop cucumber and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix quinoa, vegetables, and greens in a large bowl.
- Flake the salmon and add it to the salad.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Need more ideas? Here’s a Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.
8) Maple Glazed Salmon
Maple glazed salmon is a ridiculously easy way to make salmon feel special. The glaze uses maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and a little mustard or ginger for that extra kick.
Bake or pan-sear the salmon after coating it in the glaze. It cooks fast and goes well with rice or veggies.
The maple syrup’s sweetness balances out the salty soy sauce. Want a little heat? Toss in some ginger or a splash of Sriracha.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 tsp ginger, grated or 1/2 tsp Sriracha
Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and, if you like, ginger or Sriracha.
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Lay the salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet.
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Brush or pour that glaze over each fillet.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes.
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The salmon should flake when you poke it with a fork.
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Serve it up warm with whatever side you’re craving.
9) Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes and Cream Sauce
This one’s simple but honestly, the flavor pops. Start by seasoning your salmon—just salt and pepper.
Heat up a pan with olive oil.
Cook the salmon until it’s golden on both sides, a few minutes per side.
Toss in the cherry tomatoes.
Let them soften a bit.
Pour in some cream and toss in fresh herbs.
Let everything simmer just until the sauce thickens up.
I love this sauce with rice or a chunk of crusty bread.
It’s fast, filling, and feels a little fancy even if you’re in a rush.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill)
Cooking Instructions:
-
Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
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Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side.
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Add cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in the cream and throw in your herbs.
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Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
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Serve warm.
Want a little more detail? Here’s a link: Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, Cream, and Herbs.
10) Honey Mustard Salmon Fillets
Honey mustard salmon fillets are honestly one of the easiest ways to get a good dinner on the table.
The sauce only takes a minute—just honey, mustard, and a little garlic.
This dish cooks quickly, so it’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
You can bake the salmon straight up or wrap it in foil if you want it extra moist.
Honey brings a mellow sweetness, and the mustard gives just enough tang.
It really brings out the salmon’s flavor.
I usually pair this with a simple salad or some steamed veggies.
Keeps things light and fresh.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons mustard (grainy or Dijon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Grab a small bowl. Mix together honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Set the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil.
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Brush each fillet with the honey mustard sauce.
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Give everything a quick drizzle of olive oil.
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Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when it’s done.