Baked Salmon with Garlic Mayo Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Salmon with Garlic Mayo is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a healthy dinner. The creamy garlic mayo marinade infuses the salmon with rich taste while keeping it moist and tender. Ready in just a few steps, it’s a great way to impress without too much effort.

A piece of cooked salmon lies flat on white parchment paper in a baking tray, covered with a creamy white sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs spread evenly across the top layer. On top of the salmon, two bright yellow lemon slices are placed near the center and the edge, adding a fresh contrast to the pale sauce. The salmon itself is visible under the sauce with a soft pink color and tender texture. The baking tray is positioned on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs fresh salmon fillet (skin on)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (slightly heaping)
  • 8 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 5 oz fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Wash and pat dry the salmon fillet. Place it skin-side down onto a 13×9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crushed garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the garlic mayo mixture evenly over the top of the salmon. Spread it out with a spoon to cover the fillet completely.
  4. Step 4: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate to marinate overnight for the best flavor.
  5. Step 5: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover the salmon with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra tangy flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mayo mixture.
  • Substitute fresh dill with fresh parsley or basil if preferred.
  • If short on time, marinate the salmon for at least 1 hour instead of overnight.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil to keep it moist, or enjoy cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

A large fillet of cooked salmon is placed on a white plate with blue floral patterns along the edges. The salmon is covered with a creamy sauce mixed with fresh dill, giving it a green and white speckled look. The sauce looks thick and smooth, spread evenly over the salmon's pink flesh, with some orange salmon skin visible under the sauce. Two lemon halves, bright yellow with juicy cuts, sit on the side of the plate, adding color and freshness. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and elegant background to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before marinating for best results.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While overnight marinating develops deeper flavor, you can marinate for at least 1 hour if pressed for time.

Print

Baked Salmon with Garlic Mayo Recipe

This Baked Salmon with Garlic Mayo is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring fresh salmon fillets marinated overnight in a rich garlic and dill mayonnaise mixture, then baked to tender perfection. The creamy garlic mayo adds moisture and a punch of flavor, while fresh dill brings a bright, herbal note. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe yields moist, flaky salmon that pairs beautifully with a squeeze of lemon.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes (including overnight marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Marinade

  • 2 lbs fresh salmon fillet, skin on
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise, slightly heaping
  • 8 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 5 oz fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: Wash the salmon fillet under cold water and gently pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well.
  2. Arrange in baking dish: Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place the salmon fillet skin side down in the dish.
  3. Make the garlic mayo marinade: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crushed garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to form a uniform mixture.
  4. Apply marinade and marinate overnight: Spoon the garlic mayo mixture evenly over the salmon, spreading it out to completely cover the surface. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and penetrate the fish.
  5. Preheat the oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
  6. Bake the salmon: Cover the salmon with foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This gentle cooking method will keep the salmon tender and juicy.
  7. Serve with lemon: Remove the foil, then carefully transfer the salmon to serving plates or serve directly from the baking dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add brightness and balance the richness of the garlic mayo.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and keeps the salmon moist.
  • You can substitute fresh dill with dried dill if fresh is unavailable, but use about 1 tablespoon instead of 5 oz.
  • If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can be too acidic.
  • Adjust salt and garlic to taste depending on preference.

Keywords: baked salmon, garlic mayo salmon, dill salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner

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