Quick Look at this Lemon Herb Salmon Seasoning
- Seasoning Ready In: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes for oven baked salmon
- Serves: 5
- Main Ingredients: lemon zest, dried thyme, dried dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Dietary Info: Whole30, Paleo, Dairy-Free, and Gluten-Free
- Flavor Profile: bright, fresh, lemony, herby
- Best For: this oven baked salmon, pan seared salmon fillets, air fryer salmon, or the best grilled salmon!
Share and summarize this recipe:
Why This Homemade Salmon Seasoning Works!
- Real, light and refreshing flavors – that lemon zest is a must!
- No sugar: caramelization without becoming too sweet.
- 5 pantry spices + lemon zest = a bright lemon herb seasoning that lets the salmon shine.
- Versatile → delicious on baked, grilled, smoked, or air fried salmon.
Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- Lemon Zest – this is what makes this seasoning different from most homemade salmon seasoning recipes. It adds a bright citrus flavor. If possible, use freshly grated zest for the best flavor.
- Thyme + Dill – dried herbs that naturally pair with salmon and the lemony flavor.
- Salmon Fillets – option to use fresh or frozen salmon. If using frozen salmon, be sure to fully thaw before seasoning.
How To Make Salmon Seasoning
Step 1 – Measure out all your ingredients.
Step 2 – Mix the seasoning together and use in any salmon recipe.
How Much Seasoning Per Pound of Salmon
Highly recommend using 1 – 1½ tablespoons of seasoning per pound of salmon. This will depend on the thickness of the fillets and how heavily seasoned you personally like your salmon. Feel free to make a double batch, if needed.
Easy Baked Salmon Using This Seasoning
Step 1 – Coat the outside of the salmon fillets with the seasoning.
Step 2 – Bake at 425°F for 16-20 minutes.
Other Ways to Cook Salmon with this Seasoning
| Method | Temp | Time |
| Oven | 425°F | 16-20 minutes |
| Grill | Medium-High | 8-12 minutes |
| Air Fryer | 390°F | 9-14 minutes |
Salmon Seasoning FAQs
Unlike sweeter salmon rubs made with brown sugar and paprika, this lemon herb blend is the bright, fresh, and herb-forward. The perfect compliment to your salmon.
Yes, this seasoning (without the lemon zest) can be mixed and stored in the pantry for up to 3 months. Simply add the freshly grated lemon zest right before adding to the salmon.
Yes, take 5 minutes to mix-up this homemade seasoning and coat the outside of your salmon fillets for the best flavor!
Yes, but the frozen salmon needs to be fully thawed before being seasoned otherwise it won’t stick to the outside.
Other Healthy Salmon Recipes You Might Like
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional
- 5 salmon fillets, 4-6 ounces each
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425℉. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Combine: In a small bowl, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon dried dill. Mix to combine.
- Season Salmon: Put 5 salmon fillets on the parchment-lined sheet pan and pat dry with paper towel. Cover the outside of the fillets with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake: Move the pan to the preheated oven to bake for 16-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145℉ at the thickest part of the fish (use a meat thermometer).
- Serve: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes and then enjoy!
Notes
- Other Cooking Methods: feel free to use this lemon herb salmon seasoning on salmon cooked any way you want! We love using it on perfectly grilled salmon, pan seared salmon, and easy air fryer salmon.
- Leftovers: leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Seasoning Storage: the seasoning without the lemon zest can be stored in the pantry for up to 3 months. Add the fresh lemon zest right before adding to the salmon.
Nutrition
Original post published on 7/20/2021. Retested with new photos added 7/8/2026.
Bridget says
So simple and really good!