Easy Citrus Salmon With Lemon and Lime (Healthy Baked Recipe)
Citrus salmon is a vibrant and flavourful dish that combines salmon’s rich, buttery taste with the bright, zesty flavours of fresh citrus. Marinated or glazed with lemon, lime, or orange juice, the salmon becomes tender, juicy, and fragrant as it cooks just like in this Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe. The citrus enhances the fish’s natural sweetness and adds a refreshing tang that balances its richness, making each bite light yet satisfying.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make citrus salmon.
How to Make Citrus Salmon
Remove the frozen salmon from the packaging and place it into a 9”x13” pan. Season with black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Slice up your lemons and limes. Squeeze the juice on top of the salmon.
Alternating between lemons and limes, place the lemons and limes on top of the frozen salmon darns.
Place the salmon into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily when removed from the oven. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving!
Storage
To store citrus salmon, let it cool completely before placing it into an airtight container.
You can store the cooked salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to store it longer, you can keep it in the freezer it for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to prevent drying out.
Ingredients
Frozen Salmon Fillets: frozen salmon fillets make for a convenient and versatile dinner base. When they are properly cooked, they become tender, flaky, and flavourful absorbing the zesty citrus marinade.
Garlic Powder: garlic powder adds a warm, savoury depth to salmon enhancing its natural flavours.
Onion Powder: onion powder offers a subtle, slightly sweet and tangy flavour that complements the garlic and citrus.
Black Pepper: black pepper provides a gentle and earthy taste that balances out the acidity of the citrus.
Sliced Lemons & Limes: the sliced lemons and limes juices are squeezed onto the top of the frozen salmon before cooking then placed on top of the salmon and baked. These citrus fruits cut through the buttery richness of the salmon and makes the flavours more vibrant and refreshing.
Tips
- Squeezing the lemon juice onto the fish before placing on top to bake can help to reduce any fishy odour or taste.
Love easy dinners? Try these next:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Homemade Meatballs
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Easy Citrus Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets frozen
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 2 lemons sliced
- 2 limes sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉/200℃/Gas Mark 6.
- Place the salmon darns onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper onto the salmon.
- Slice the lemons and limes in half. Squeeze the juices from the lemons and limes onto the salmon then continue to slice them into thin slices. Place on top of the salmon.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily when removed from the oven.
- Let cool and serve!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Citrus Salmon FAQ
What citrus fruits go best with salmon?
Lemon and orange are the most popular choices. Lime and grapefruit can also be used for a slightly sharper or more bitter flavor.
How do you keep salmon from drying out in the oven?
Bake at the right temperature (around 375–400°F) and avoid overcooking. Salmon should be just opaque and flake easily with a fork. Just like in this Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe, perfectly cooked!
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes. Thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even baking and better flavor absorption.
How long does citrus salmon take to cook?
Most salmon fillets take about 12–15 minutes in the oven, depending on thickness.
Is citrus salmon healthy?
Yes. Salmon is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and citrus adds flavor without extra calories.
Can I make citrus salmon in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
What should I serve with citrus salmon?
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, asparagus, or a fresh salad.
Can I marinate salmon in citrus juice?
Yes, but keep it short (15–30 minutes). Too much time in citrus can start to “cook” the fish and affect texture.