Easy Baked Salmon with Garlic-Lemon Mayo Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that feels fancy but is secretly effortless—this one’s for you. I make this baked salmon with garlic-lemon mayo sauce almost every week, and it never gets old. It’s flavorful, tender, and only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Even better? My kids eat it without a fuss, and I feel good knowing it’s packed with healthy fats and protein. Win-win.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole salmon filet (I get mine from Costco—wild caught is my go-to for maximum health benefits)
• 1 heaping spoonful of minced garlic
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, mayo, salt, pepper, paprika, lemon juice, and parsley until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Lay your salmon filet skin-side down on a lined baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish.
4. Spread the mayo mixture generously over the top of the salmon. Don’t be shy—this stuff is gold.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your filet, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (remove before you see the white oils coming out of the fish).
6. Cut into 5–6 servings and serve warm.

What to Serve It With:

This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted broccoli or asparagus (just toss in olive oil and salt, and throw on a tray while the salmon bakes) and a scoop of brown rice or quinoa on the side. It’s simple, nourishing, and feels like it requires hours in the kitchen.

Homemaking tip: I love doubling this recipe when I know the next day is going to be full. Cold leftover salmon is amazing over a salad with avocado and hard-boiled eggs—or stuffed into a wrap with spinach and hummus for an easy lunch.