When you’re rushing to get dinner on the table after a long day, salmon can be your greatest ally.
This nutritious protein cooks quickly, adapts to countless flavor profiles, and delivers essential omega-3 fatty acids your body needs.
You’ll find these nine recipes strike the perfect balance between convenience and taste, requiring minimal prep while maximizing flavor.
From honey-glazed to blackened tacos, each dish transforms simple ingredients into impressive meals—all in under 30 minutes.
Ready to turn weeknight dinner stress into something you actually look forward to?
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
This honey garlic glazed salmon is a perfect weeknight meal that combines sweet and savory flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs beautifully with rice and steamed vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and grated ginger.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Step 4: Flip the salmon, reduce heat to medium, and pour the honey garlic sauce over the fillets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the salmon.
Step 5: Once salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Sugar: 11g
Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Salmon
This quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired salmon dish delivers a perfect balance of herbs, lemon, and olive oil.
Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and herbs.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Pat salmon fillets dry and place on prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Brush salmon with the herb-oil mixture, then press breadcrumb mixture on top of each fillet.
Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and crust is golden.
Step 7: Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Spicy Cajun Salmon With Lemon Butter
This zesty Cajun salmon dish delivers bold flavors in just 20 minutes. The spicy rub and tangy lemon butter create a mouthwatering combination perfect for hectic weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Season fillets with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with spice mixture.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side up and cook for 4 minutes until golden.
Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily.
Step 3: While salmon cooks, prepare lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Transfer salmon to plates, drizzle with lemon butter sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
Sheet Pan Salmon With Roasted Vegetables
This quick sheet pan dinner pairs flaky salmon fillets with colorful seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Spread vegetables evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, pat salmon fillets dry. Brush with remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Remove sheet pan from oven, push vegetables to the sides, and place salmon in the center. Arrange lemon slices over the salmon.
Step 6: Return to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 23g (healthy fats)
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
Coconut Curry Salmon
This fragrant coconut curry salmon cooks in just 25 minutes for a flavorful weeknight meal. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender salmon fillets for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove salmon and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, sauté onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in coconut milk, bring to a simmer, and add bell pepper.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Return salmon to the pan, add spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes until salmon is cooked through and spinach wilts.
Step 7: Stir in lime juice, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon
This sweet and tangy maple Dijon salmon combines rich flavors in a quick, foolproof dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you need something impressive yet simple.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the maple Dijon mixture generously over each fillet.
Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: For extra caramelization, broil for the final 2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and darkens slightly.
Step 6: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
These quick teriyaki salmon bowls combine flaky salmon with a sweet and savory sauce over steaming rice. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Reserve half for serving.
Step 2: Place salmon in a shallow dish and pour half the marinade over it. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
Step 4: Meanwhile, steam broccoli and carrots until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble bowls with rice, vegetables, and salmon. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
Lemon Dill Air Fryer Salmon
This quick air fryer salmon with bright lemon and fresh dill comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious, flavorful meal without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (half juiced, half sliced)
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the air fryer basket skin-side down.
Step 4: Brush the salmon with the lemon mixture, then sprinkle fresh dill on top. Place lemon slices over the salmon.
Step 5: Air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and desired doneness.
Step 6: Check for doneness by ensuring salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Step 7: Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 1,800mg
Blackened Salmon Tacos
These spicy blackened salmon tacos are ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights. The crispy salmon paired with tangy slaw and creamy avocado creates a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Rub blackening seasoning evenly on all sides of salmon fillets.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
Step 3: Flip salmon and cook another 2-3 minutes until blackened and cooked through. Remove from heat and flake into large chunks.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt with juice from half the lime and a pinch of salt to create a quick crema.
Step 5: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering cabbage, salmon chunks, avocado slices, and jalapeños if using. Drizzle with lime crema and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving (2 tacos)
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
Final Thoughts
With these nine quick salmon recipes, you’ll transform busy weeknights into nutritious, flavor-packed dining experiences.
Worried salmon might taste too fishy?
These diverse seasonings and cooking methods actually highlight salmon’s natural richness while minimizing any overwhelming flavors.
You’re not just saving time—you’re delivering omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients to your table in under 30 minutes, making healthy eating both accessible and delicious.
