Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon is flaky, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes! Topped with a cheesy, garlicky herb crust for a quick and easy dinner that's fresh, beautiful, and healthy, too!
Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon
Looking for an easy, flavorful dinner that feels a little fancy but doesn’t require a culinary degree (or a mountain of dishes)? This Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon is the answer. It’s a quick and delicious way to serve up something that’s equal parts wholesome, comforting, and downright impressive. It's just one of those dishes that makes you happy to see and feel good to eat.
A juicy, tender salmon fillet gets topped with a savory mix of garlic, fresh herbs, and nutty Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a cozy dinner with friends. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with all your favorite simple sides.
What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?
When it comes to making Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon, the quality and type of salmon you choose can really impact the flavor, texture, and even how it cooks. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you pick the best option for your kitchen:
Fresh vs. Frozen
- Fresh salmon is ideal if you can get it the same day you plan to cook—it tends to have the best texture and flavor.
- Frozen salmon is a great budget-friendly and convenient option. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before baking and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised
- Wild-caught salmon (like sockeye or coho) has a richer, deeper flavor and firmer texture. It’s also lower in fat and higher in certain nutrients.
- Farm-raised salmon (like Atlantic salmon) is milder in flavor and fattier, which means it stays juicy and tender, making it great for baked recipes like this one.
Skin-On or Skinless?
Either works!
- Skin-on fillets help hold the fish together as it cooks and add flavor.
- Skinless is totally fine too, especially if you’re serving it flaked or over pasta, rice, or salad.
Portion Tips
- A 2-pound fillet will typically serve 4–6 people.
- You can also use individual 6–8 oz fillets—just reduce bake time by a few minutes.
What to Serve with Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon
This flavorful salmon is versatile enough to go with just about anything, whether you're keeping things low-carb or building a hearty, satisfying plate. I like to try to make sides that don't require the oven since the salmon is baked. This way you can quickly cook or prep the sides while the salmon is baking and everything is done at once!
Here are some of our favorite side dish ideas to round out your meal:
- Simple Green Salad – Toss mixed greens with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for a crisp contrast.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad – Cool, tangy, and refreshing—it pairs perfectly with the rich garlic-Parmesan topping.
- Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for an easy and nutritious side.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Buttery mashed potatoes make a cozy base for soaking up any extra juices or melted cheese.
- Air Fryer Asparagus - Crisp-tender asparagus with lightly charred edges made effortlessly in the air fryer. A quick, healthy side that pairs perfectly with rich, cheesy salmon.
- Rice Pilaf or Herb Butter Rice – A mild rice side helps balance the bold flavors of the salmon.
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes – Crispy and golden, they’re a family favorite with this dish.
- Crusty French Bread or Garlic Knots – Mop up every last bit of that garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits - Fluffy, buttery, and loaded with cheddar and garlic flavor—these crowd-favorite biscuits are the perfect way to round out your salmon dinner.
- Lemon Butter Pasta – Light, zesty, and easy to make ahead—perfect for a dinner party.
- Lemon wedges – A fresh squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness and brightens up the whole dish.
More Salmon Recipes You'll Love
- Mustard Glazed Salmon - Tender, flaky salmon coated in a tangy mustard and brown sugar glaze and baked to perfection. A simple yet bold weeknight dinner with just the right kick.
- BBQ Salmon Bowls - Smoky BBQ salmon served over rice with fresh slaw - sweet, savory, and full of summer flavor!
- Easy Salmon Burgers - Quick, flavorful salmon patties made with simple ingredients and pantry staples. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
- Salmon Sushi Bowls - All the flavors of your favorite sushi roll—no rolling required! These deconstructed sushi bowls are fresh, fun, and loaded with flavor, and the best spicy mayo sauce!
- Walnut Crusted Salmon - This elegant baked salmon is topped with a crunchy walnut-Parmesan crust for a rich, nutty twist. Great for holidays or date night dinners.
Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon Video
Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 large salmon filet about 2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup sliced chives
- ½ cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- Place salmon skin side down on the foil.
- Brush the salmon with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap the foil loosely around the salmon so that it's kind of tented in the middle and fold up the ends of the foil.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- While salmon is baking, combine garlic, parsley, chives, and Parmesan to a medium mixing bowl.
- Remove salmon from the oven after 10 minutes. Unwrap and sprinkle Parmesan garlic herb mixture onto salmon evenly.
- Leave uncovered. Return salmon to oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until cooked through and cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Nutrition
UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in June 2017. It was updated with new pictures, tips, and video and republished in August 2025.
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Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat. says
This looks so good! I love salmon, but my husband only tolerates it - he adores parmesan and garlic though, so maybe he would like this recipe!
Lisa W says
I really like this recipe. Very healthy, tastes yummy and it’s quick. Even my husband liked it.