Baked Salmon with Mayo
This Baked Salmon with Mayo Recipe is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon fillets. It is also the best salmon you will ever eat. It yields tender, flaky salmon every time. A savory Parmesan chive mayonnaise keeps it moist while adding so much flavor. A great option for a light dinner, a dinner party, or anyone looking to up their dinner game.
I love the simple cooking process of this delicious flaky fish. Spread on a flavored mayo, pop it in the oven, and it’s ready in no time. If you’ve always wondered how to bake salmon perfectly every time, this easy recipe is the answer. It’s a quick meal with minimal prep, perfect for any salmon lover.
The mayonnaise sauce on top of the fish is not only a great way to season salmon, but it also keeps the salmon moist and tender. Grab some fresh salmon and make this easy baked salmon recipe tonight! It is a lovely dinner with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
See this Butter Poached Salmon and this Keto Salmon Recipe for two of my other top picks.
Ingredients
- Salmon filets – You can use fresh or frozen salmon from your local grocery store. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed. I love the salmon from ButcherBox. It is high quality and always comes out perfectly.
- Mayonnaise – Any variety works. I normally use olive oil or avocado oil mayo.
- Parmesan – I use shredded parmesan cheese.
- Lemon juice – The acid in lemon balances the richness of the mayo and cheese.
- Salt and black pepper – For flavor.
- Fresh chives – Chives have a mild onion flavor that works well with fish.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Mayo
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Step One: Mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can season the mayo mixture to taste.
Step Two: Put the salmon on a baking dish. Spread the mayonnaise mixture on top of the salmon.
Step Three: Put the baking pan in the oven and bake until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Top Tip💡
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the salmon. The internal temperature should be 130-135 degrees for medium doneness.
Substitutions
- Seafood – Try this method with other types of fish, such as cod. It also works well with scallops.
- Chicken – Mayo-topped chicken is also amazing!
- Scallions – If you don’t have chives, you can finely chop the green part of green onions.
Variations
- Seasonings – If you want spicy, add some cayenne pepper. Love garlic? Mix in some garlic powder.
- Herbs – Try fresh dill in place of the chives. Dried herbs can work too, but use half the amount (or less).
See this Air Fryer Frozen Salmon for another way to cook salmon.
Equipment
Cooking salmon is a breeze. All you need is a small bowl for the topping and a baking sheet. A meat thermometer is also handy to make sure that it’s cooked correctly.
Storage
Leftover salmon should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the fridge. Leftovers should be eaten within 2 days. Make sure that when you reheat it, you do so so that it’s warmed all the way through.
I don’t recommend freezing cooked salmon.
Common Questions
Using an instant-read thermometer makes it super simple to know if the salmon is fully cooked and safe to eat. The salmon should also be flaky and tender, indicating that it’s done cooking.
You likely baked it for too long. Be aware of the time, and then test the internal temperature to verify that it’s ready. If the salmon is dried out, there isn’t a lot that you can do for it at that point. But one trick is to melt a little bit of butter and drizzle that on top to try to add some moisture back to the filet. It won’t fully make it moist, but it does help a bit to add some back
A light green salad or fresh veggies like green beans are always a great pairing. They add flavor without overpowering the taste. The great thing about making this type of recipe is that you can pair it with just about anything that you are craving. Most people like to have one or two light side dishes so the salmon stays the focal point of the meal.
If you want amazing salmon, check out ButcherBox. Almost all of the salmon we eat comes in our monthly boxes. You will also get the best deals with my affiliate link!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Joy Filled Eats
Video
Baked Salmon with Mayo
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees
- Combine the mayo, parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon on a rimmed baking dish.
- Spread the parmesan mayo over the salmon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 130-135 for medium doneness.
Nutrition
Like what you see? Follow me on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates!
One person here doesn’t like salmon, she says it’s dry no matter how I cook it. She thought it was a different kind of fish. That’s how good this recipe is.. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad to hear this! I am new to eating salmon myself. This is my favorite way to make it.