10 Best Herb-Crusted Salmon Recipes

Salmon is a beloved fish that’s celebrated not only for its flavor but also for its nutritional benefits. One of the most delightful ways to prepare salmon is by creating a delicious herb crust. The combination of fresh herbs and a perfectly cooked salmon fillet makes for a meal that’s both healthy and gourmet. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best herb-crusted salmon recipes that you can try at home. Each recipe brings a unique twist to the classic dish, ensuring that you’ll find a favorite or two to add to your culinary repertoire.

1. Classic Herb Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, zested
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix parsley, dill, basil, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Evenly spread the herb mixture over the top of each fillet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve hot with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

2. Lemon Herb Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a greased baking sheet.
4. Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
6. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.

3. Garlic Herb Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil.
4. Spread the herb mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
6. Enjoy with steamed vegetables or a grain like quinoa.

4. Mustard and Herb Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard together.
3. In another bowl, combine parsley, chives, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mustard mixture over the top of each salmon fillet.
5. Press the herb mixture onto the mustard-coated fillets.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
7. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.

5. Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the herb mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden.
6. Serve with a side of asparagus or a Caesar salad.

6. Mediterranean Herb Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, zested
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix parsley, oregano, basil, olives, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Evenly spread the Mediterranean herb mixture over the top of each fillet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve with a side of couscous or a Greek salad.

7. Spicy Herb Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a greased baking sheet.
4. Press the spicy herb mixture onto the top of each fillet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
6. Serve with a side of black beans and rice or a fresh avocado salad.

8. Herb Crusted Salmon with Pesto

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a food processor, combine basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the pesto.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the pesto evenly over each fillet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a mixed green salad.

9. Herb Crusted Salmon with Almonds

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, zested
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix parsley, dill, almonds, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a greased baking sheet.
4. Press the almond and herb mixture onto the top of each fillet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
6. Serve with a side of wild rice or a fresh cucumber salad.

10. Herb Crusted Salmon with Honey Mustard

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard and honey together.
3. In another bowl, combine parsley, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the honey mustard mixture over the top of each salmon fillet.
5. Press the herb mixture onto the honey mustard-coated fillets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh apple salad.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Herb-Crusted Salmon

• Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but they won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
• Quality Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon when possible. It generally has a better flavor and texture compared to farm-raised salmon.
• Even Cooking: Make sure your salmon fillets are of even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon can quickly become dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
• Resting Time: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Herb-crusted salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:

• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make excellent sides.
• Grains: Serve with quinoa, wild rice, or couscous for a hearty and nutritious addition.
• Salads: A fresh green salad, Caesar salad, or a Mediterranean salad can balance the richness of the salmon.
• Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or a potato salad are classic accompaniments.

Nutritional Benefits of Herb-Crusted Salmon

Salmon is not only delicious but also extremely nutritious. Here are some key benefits:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health.
• Protein: It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, important for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon is packed with vitamins B12, D, and selenium, which support various bodily functions.
• Antioxidants: Herbs like parsley, dill, and basil are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Conclusion

Exploring these 10 best herb-crusted salmon recipes will not only enhance your culinary skills but also introduce you to a range of flavors that can make mealtime exciting and healthy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these recipes are sure to impress.

Remember to experiment with different herb combinations and sides to find your personal favorite. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delightful results on your plate!

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, stay tuned to our blog. Happy cooking!