Healthy Herb Roasted Salmon

 This recipe delivers a burst of fresh flavor with a powerful combination of vibrant herbs and citrus, providing a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional, heavy butter sauces.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 (6-ounce) center-cut salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for roasting)

For the Healthy Herb Topping:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

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Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Salmon

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If using foil, lightly coat it with cooking spray.

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper.

2. Mix the Herb Topping

• In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the mixture is a coarse, vibrant paste.

3. Top the Salmon

• Arrange the lemon slices in four small piles on the prepared baking sheet. Place one salmon fillet on top of each pile of lemon slices (this prevents the salmon from sticking and adds subtle flavor from below).

• Spoon the herb mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring the entire top surface is covered, similar to the photo.

4. Roast

• Roast the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.

• The salmon is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. For a perfectly cooked, flaky texture, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F (63°C).

5. Serve

• For a golden finish, you can turn the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent the herbs from burning!

• Garnish with extra fresh chives and serve immediately. This pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus and broccoli, as shown in the image, or over a bed of quinoa.