Name: Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

If you’re hunting for a deliciously simple dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat with this Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe. Truth be told, I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — tender, flaky salmon with that irresistible hint of herbs and just the right amount of zing from lemon. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to whip up this fan-freaking-tastic meal that’s both elegant and effortless.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The Italian seasoning blend adds just the right herby touch without overpowering the natural salmon flavor.
Healthy and Wholesome: Rich in omega-3s and lean protein, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
Versatile: Works beautifully on its own or with your favorite sides and garnishes.

Three pieces of cooked salmon lay side by side in a white dish, each piece topped with a light orange spice mix and small green herb bits. The salmon has a soft, moist texture with a slightly flaky look. The dish is filled with a yellow, buttery sauce, and thin lemon slices rest underneath and around the salmon, adding a bright touch. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning, Italian Seasoned Salmon, Easy Baked Salmon Recipe, Lemon Herb Salmon, Healthy Salmon Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe lies partly in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that play so well together. I always aim for a fresh salmon fillet and a quality Italian seasoning to get those authentic flavors.

Flat lay of four fresh pink salmon fillets with smooth skin, a small white ceramic bowl of fine onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, and a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh yellow lemon juice, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning, Italian Seasoned Salmon, Easy Baked Salmon Recipe, Lemon Herb Salmon, Healthy Salmon Dinner

Salmon fillets: Fresh or thawed frozen salmon works best; I prefer wild-caught when available for richer flavor.
Onion powder: Adds depth without needing fresh onions.
Garlic powder: Gives that warm, savory note without overpowering the fish.
Italian seasoning: This blend is the star here—make sure it’s fresh for the brightest flavors.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a dash of color.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked if you can; it really elevates the dish.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for brushing the pan and drizzling for moisture.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a game changer, brightens up the salmon beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One thing I love about this Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up without losing that core flavor. You can personalize it to suit your mood or dietary needs, and honestly, it’s never boring.

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for a bright, fresh twist I discovered makes the dish feel extra special.
Make it Spicy: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne with the Italian seasoning if you like a bit of heat—my family loves this kick.
Swap the Lemon: Try lime juice or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy variation.
Use Different Fish: This same seasoning technique works wonders on cod, tilapia, or even trout—just adjust baking times accordingly.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Salmon

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil—not only does it make cleanup a breeze, but it also prevents the salmon from sticking. While the oven heats, pat those salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This little step is key for that perfectly crispy skin and locks in moisture during baking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix Your Italian Seasoning Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. I always make sure these are well mixed to get an even flavor spread. This blend is what brings that classic Italian flair without a ton of fuss.

Step 3: Season and Bake Your Salmon

Brush your baking sheet lightly with olive oil to keep things from sticking. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down. Drizzle the lemon juice over the top, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over each one. For extra tender results, I sometimes cover the pan with foil before popping it in the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, adjusting based on the thickness (thinner pieces might need less time). You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and hits 145°F internally. If you’re a fan of a crispy crust like me, broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye because it can burn fast!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe

Dry It Well: I always pat my salmon dry before seasoning—this makes the skin crisp up beautifully instead of getting soggy.
Watch Your Bake Time: I learned early on that salmon cooking times vary by thickness; thinner pieces can overcook quickly, so keep an eye on the clock.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zing—fresh juice brightens the whole dish.
Rest Before Serving: Let your salmon rest for a few minutes after baking—it helps keep the juices locked in and the texture tender.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe

Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it fresh, so I love garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. Sometimes, I toss on thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch that really elevates the flavor. A dollop of garlic aioli on the side also pairs beautifully if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

In my kitchen, this salmon shines when served alongside roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. I also love quinoa or couscous tossed with herbs for a wholesome, protein-packed combo. The versatility is what makes this recipe so go-to.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this salmon on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges, colorful heirloom tomatoes, and sprigs of thyme or rosemary. It feels so inviting and Instagram-worthy without any extra fuss. Another favorite is layering the salmon over a bed of creamy risotto or zucchini noodles for a stunning, hearty presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I make sure to store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking—it keeps perfectly for up to two days. I usually separate the salmon from any dressings or sides to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

I have frozen cooked salmon before and found that wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag prevents freezer burn. For best texture, try to consume frozen salmon within one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop leftover salmon in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes—this gentle heat keeps the fish moist and flaky. Avoid microwaving if possible because it tends to dry the salmon out. A quick sear in a hot pan with a little olive oil can also refresh the crispy skin.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Baked Salmon with Italian Seasoning Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before seasoning and baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning stick properly.
Do I need to remove the skin before baking?

It’s totally up to you! I personally like to leave the skin on—it crisps up nicely and helps keep the salmon moist during baking. Plus, you can easily remove it after cooking if you prefer not to eat it.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the salmon with the seasoning and lemon juice a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated, but I don’t recommend seasoning it too far ahead as the salt can start to cure the fish. Just bake when ready for the best results.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can easily make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Mixing these yourself can actually taste fresher and let you control the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This baked salmon with Italian seasoning recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between fuss-free and flavor-packed. I remember the first time I tried this—it felt like a restaurant-quality meal I could whip up on a weeknight, and my family still asks for it regularly. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do. Give it a go, play with the variations, and make it your own—you’re going to nail this recipe and impress everyone at your table!