Salmon is one of my go-to proteins for an easy, healthy, and elegant meal. When paired with the sweet, citrusy flavor of Meyer lemons, it transforms into something extraordinary.

This Meyer Lemon Salmon recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

This Meyer Lemon Salmon is tender, flaky, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. The combination of garlic, herbs, and Meyer lemon enhances the natural richness of the salmon, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare.

Meyer Lemon Salmon

Recipe by JoanneCourse: MainCuisine: Mediterranean-InspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounce each)

  • 2 Meyer lemons (zest and juice)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • Lemon slices (for garnish)

  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  • Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  • Prepare the Salmon:
  • Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure better seasoning adherence.
  • Make the Meyer Lemon Sauce:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic, Meyer lemon juice, and zest.
  • Season the Salmon:
  • Brush the lemon sauce generously over each fillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, dill, and paprika. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets.
  • Bake the Salmon:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • Garnish and Serve:
  • Remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or rice.

Notes

  • Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon: Fresh salmon works best for this recipe, but frozen fillets can be used if properly thawed.
  • Meyer Lemon Substitute: If Meyer lemons are unavailable, regular lemons mixed with a teaspoon of orange juice can mimic the flavor.
  • Cooking Tip: For crispy edges, broil the salmon for 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time
  • Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a light Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for an elegant dinner.

Storage and Warming Leftovers

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    .
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out.
    .
  • Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.