The Best Baked Dijon Salmon Recipe for Zesty Dinner Magic

Dijon salmon brings a zesty, luxurious twist to seafood lovers seeking bold flavors.

Home cooks appreciate this elegant dish that reimagines simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mustard-infused marinades elevate the fish’s natural richness with tangy, sophisticated notes.

Tender, flaky salmon becomes a canvas for robust seasonings that dance across your palate.

Nutritious and quick to prepare, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Professional chefs and weeknight cooking enthusiasts alike will appreciate its streamlined approach to gourmet dining.

You can easily master this impressive entrée that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why Baked Dijon Salmon Brings a Tangy Kick

• Quick and Zesty Flavor Explosion: The Dijon mustard and herbs create a tangy, vibrant taste that transforms ordinary salmon into a gourmet dish in minutes.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking at high temperature ensures perfectly cooked salmon with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Salmon delivers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the herb-mustard topping adds extra nutrients and bold flavor without extra calories.
• Minimal Cleanup Dinner Solution: Using parchment paper or silicone mat means easy cleanup, and the entire recipe requires just one baking sheet and mixing bowl, reducing post-meal kitchen chaos.

What You’ll Need for Baked Dijon Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides rich omega-3 fatty acids and tender, flaky texture with options like King, Sockeye, or Coho varieties.

• Dijon Mustard, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds tangy richness and helps create a smooth, clinging sauce for the salmon.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings deep, savory notes to the dish.
• Fresh Dill, Fresh Parsley: Bright herbs that add fresh, herbal complexity and beautiful green color.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Citrus element that provides zesty, fresh brightness and helps balance the rich salmon.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that helps distribute flavors and promotes even cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon.
• Capers: Briny, salty garnish that adds a punch of Mediterranean-style flavor and textural contrast.

How to Bake Dijon-Crusted Salmon Perfectly

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper.

Step 2: Position Salmon

Place salmon fillets skin-side down on prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Topping

• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Capers

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Coat Salmon

Generously spread topping over salmon fillets, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Cook for 12-15 minutes until salmon easily flakes with fork.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove salmon from oven. Allow to rest briefly. Plate with complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables or herbed rice.

Pro Tip: Check salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F for optimal doneness and food safety.

Tips for Juicy, Zesty Baked Salmon

• Select Fresh Salmon: Choose high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Use a silicone brush or back of a spoon to spread the Dijon mixture evenly, creating a uniform layer that locks in moisture and enhances taste.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Check salmon at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking; salmon should be slightly translucent in the center and easily flake with a fork.
• Customize Herb Options: Swap fresh dill or parsley with other herbs like tarragon or chives to create unique flavor profiles matching your preference.
• Elevate Serving Presentation: Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, or sprinkle of capers just before serving to add visual appeal and bright, zesty notes.

How to Store and Reheat Dijon Salmon

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Gently: Warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering the dish with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the delicate fish and compromise its tender texture and original flavor.

What Goes Great with Baked Dijon Salmon

• Craft a Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this zesty Dijon salmon with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and citrus notes perfectly complement the tangy mustard and lemon flavors in the dish.
• Create a Fresh Herbal Side Salad: Whip up a light mixed greens salad with arugula, fresh dill, and a lemon vinaigrette to echo the salmon's bright, herbaceous characteristics and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich fish.
• Design a Buttery Grain Backdrop: Serve the salmon over creamy lemon-herb risotto or garlic-infused quinoa, which will soak up the delicious Dijon sauce and provide a smooth, luxurious base for the flaky fish.
• Select a Zesty Roasted Vegetable Partner: Prepare roasted asparagus or green beans with a sprinkle of dill and lemon zest to match the salmon's flavor profile and add a vibrant, nutritious element to the plate.

Easy Variations on Baked Dijon Salmon

• Spicy Mediterranean Salmon: Replace Dijon mustard with harissa paste, add smoked paprika, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before baking for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Salmon: Swap dill and parsley for fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix herbs with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, herbaceous coating that enhances the fish's natural taste.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon: Substitute Dijon mustard with miso paste, add grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds after baking for an umami-rich experience.
• Smoky Almond Crusted Salmon: Mix crushed almonds with breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey into the Dijon mixture. Press the almond crust onto the salmon before baking to create a crunchy, flavorful exterior.

Baked Dijon Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Dijon salmon brings French-inspired elegance to your dinner table. Tangy mustard glaze and perfectly roasted fish create a simple yet sophisticated meal that delights your palate with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds salmon fillets (King, Sockeye, or Coho, skin optional)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons capers
• ¼ cup fresh dill or parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Oils and Cooking Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to a high temperature of 450°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure even cooking.
2. Create a non-stick foundation by lining a baking sheet with either a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent salmon from adhering.
3. Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking surface, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4. Craft a zesty topping by whisking together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, minced garlic, bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, olive oil, seasoning, and briny capers until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend.
5. Generously coat the salmon fillets with the prepared Dijon mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage across the surface.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 12-15 minutes, watching for the telltale sign of perfectly cooked salmon – easily flaking with a gentle fork touch.
7. Allow the salmon to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute internal moisture and ensures a succulent texture.
8. Plate the salmon alongside complementary side dishes, presenting a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Notes

• Customize your seafood experience by selecting fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with vibrant color and firm texture.
• Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by balancing tangy Dijon mustard with creamy mayonnaise and bright herbs.
• Achieve perfect doneness by watching the salmon’s color transform and checking its flakiness with a gentle fork test.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg