Herb-Crusted Salmon

This fragrant, oven-baked salmon is topped with a lemony herb and almond crust that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. It’s a nourishing, protein-rich dish that feels both elevated and easy. Ideal for dinner guests or smart weekly meal prep.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 12–15 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Herb Crust:

1 cup ground almonds (or almond powder)

1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 small bunch fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)

Zest of 2 lemons

For the Salmon:

8 salmon fillets (preferably of similar thickness)

2 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt, to taste

Cracked black pepper, to taste

For Serving (Optional but recommended):

Roasted vegetables (e.g., asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots)

A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette

Quinoa or brown rice for added complex carbohydrates

Instructions

Prepare the herb crust.

In a medium bowl, combine the ground almonds, parsley, dill, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

Prep the salmon.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to help the crust stick and ensure crispiness. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil, then season both sides with salt and pepper.

Crust the salmon.

Press the herb mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet, coating evenly and making sure it adheres well.

Bake.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon fillets with space between them for even cooking.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The crust should be golden and slightly crisp.

Serve.

Serve immediately, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness, if desired.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

Use salmon fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.

Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking to ensure it cooks evenly.

Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow air circulation and encourage a crispy crust.

Substitute ground almonds with crushed pecans, walnuts, or panko breadcrumbs (nut-free).

If using dried herbs, reduce the amount to ⅓ of the fresh quantity.

This recipe stores and reheats well — perfect for meal prep!

Nutrient Values (per serving):

Calories: 350

Protein: 34g

Total Fat: 22g

Saturated Fat: 3.5g

Total Carbohydrates: 4g

Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g