Prepare the Salmon:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray to prevent the salmon from sticking.
2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: If the salmon fillets have skin, you can leave it on for added flavor and crispiness. If you prefer, you can also remove the skin. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help them cook evenly.
3. Season the Salmon: Drizzle olive oil over each salmon fillet, rubbing it in gently to coat the fish. Then, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Herbed Mixture:

4. Mix the Herbs and Garlic: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh thyme, dill, and parsley. Stir to mix the herbs together. This herb mixture will be spread over the salmon to add flavor and fragrance.
5. Apply the Herb Mixture: Sprinkle the herbed garlic mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Gently press the herbs into the fish to ensure they stick. This will infuse the salmon with a wonderful herbaceous flavor while it bakes.

Bake the Salmon:

6. Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Check for Doneness: The salmon should be opaque in the center and flake easily when tested with a fork. If it’s not quite done, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.

Serve the Salmon:

8. Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a few lemon wedges, and an additional drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Baked Herbed Salmon

Baked Herbed Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

• With Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make for a nutritious and flavorful side. You can roast the vegetables at the same time as the salmon, making for an easy, one-pan meal.
• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. These grains absorb the juices from the salmon and add a nice contrast to the richness of the fish.
• With Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing complements the lightness of the salmon. Try pairing with a citrusy dressing to echo the lemon flavors in the fish.
• With Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve the salmon with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes balance the brightness of the lemon and herbs in the salmon.
• With Pasta: Serve the baked salmon alongside a light pasta dish, like lemon garlic pasta or pasta with a simple olive oil dressing, for a complete, satisfying meal.