Baked Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce

🐟 Baked Salmon with Lemon Dijon Sauce
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp honey (optional, for balance)
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Lemon slices, for garnish
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for serving)


---
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (or butter), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, zest, garlic, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Prepare salmon:
Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Pat dry with a paper towel.

4. Coat & bake:
Spread the Dijon sauce evenly over each fillet. Top with thin lemon slices if desired.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. (Thicker fillets may need closer to 18 minutes.)

5. Serve:
Garnish with parsley or dill, and serve hot with rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

✨ Tip: For extra flavor, switch to whole-grain Dijon or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.