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Healthy & Delicious Sunshine Citrus Salmon

This delightful and heart-healthy Sunshine Citrus Salmon is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Perfectly portioned for two, it's a quick and elegant meal ready in under 25 minutes, focusing on wholesome ingredients.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 361kcal

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking dish suitable for two salmon fillets

Ingredients

  • Salmon Fillets: Two 4-ounce 113g portions, skin on or off
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Freshly Grated Lemon Zest: 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Garlic: 1 small clove finely minced
  • Fresh Parsley: 1 ½ teaspoons chopped
  • Fresh Basil: 1 ½ teaspoons chopped
  • Fresh Rosemary: 1 ½ teaspoons chopped
  • Dried Oregano: ¼ teaspoon
  • Capers: 1 teaspoon rinsed and roughly chopped (optional, for an enhanced Mediterranean taste)
  • Fine Sea Salt: ¼ teaspoon or to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon or to taste
  • For Garnish: 4 thin lemon slices from about ¼ of a medium lemon

Instructions

  • Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Set your oven to preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  • Create the Citrus-Herb Marinade: In the small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, basil, rosemary, dried oregano, and (if using) the chopped capers. Stir well to integrate all the flavors.
  • Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides lightly with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Dress the Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spoon the citrus-herb marinade evenly over the top of each fillet.
  • Add Lemon Garnish: Place two thin lemon slices atop each marinated salmon fillet.
  • Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes. The cooking duration will vary based on the exact thickness of your salmon fillets. Aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For well-done, cook to 145°F (63°C).
  • Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, quinoa, or steamed asparagus.

Notes

Notes
  • Salmon Thickness: For thinner fillets (around ¾-inch thick), start checking for doneness at 8 minutes. Thicker fillets (around 1-inch) may need closer to 10-12 minutes.
  • Flavor Boost: For a more intense lemon flavor, you can place the seasoned salmon in the citrus-herb marinade for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before baking (do not marinate for longer than 30 minutes for seafood).
  • Storage: Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's delicious cold on salads or gently reheated.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
  • Calories: Approximately 361 kcal
  • Protein: Approximately 25.2 g
  • Fat: Approximately 27.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 1.9 g
  • Fiber: Approximately 0.5 g
  • Sugar: Approximately 0.3 g
  • Sodium: Approximately 373 mg (will vary based on salt added and if capers are used/rinsed)
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated based on average ingredient values using USDA data and may vary based on specific products used, exact measurements, and preparation methods.