The Best Baked Salmon Recipe

I am going to claim this the best baked salmon recipe ever. Yes this is a bold statement but for someone who likes salmon, doesn’t love salmon, and is always looking for ways to may it taste yummier – well this is it. My mother in law taught me years and years ago that the secret to flavorful, moist salmon is mayo. When you top your salmon with mayonnaise the fat holds all the moisture in creating the most delicious texture. You can really top it with anything then (a lemon pepper seasoning, pesto, spice mixture!) but these fresh flavors on top really take it over the edge. Enough so that I could eat this every night.

the best baked salmon recipe with mayonnaise, shallots, capers and lemon

I love a salty combination with salmon which is why capers are the perfect compliment. The way the capers, lemon and shallots get all toasty and seep their delicious flavors into the mayo-y salmon is just next level. And if you’re someone who doesn’t love salmon, just do a really thin layer and load it up with flavors on top. I promise you really won’t taste the mayonnaise but you’ll still get all that juicy moisture! Also let me just say that this meal feels fancy. It’s a great one the bakes quickly but looks and tastes like you slaved away all day.

The Best Baked Salmon Recipe (Ever)

Ingredients: (serves 2)

fresh salmon (about 6-8oz per person)
2 tbsp mayonnaise (I use primal kitchen avocado oil mayo)
1/4 cup capers
quarter of a lemon (skin on)
quarter of a shallot
red pepper flakes (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350F. On a cutting board, finely chop up your lemon and shallots. Add the capers and continue to chop until everything is minced together. Put your salmon on a parchment lined baking sheet and a sprinkle of flakey salt. Top your salmon with mayonnaise and then the capers, lemon and shallot salsa (let’s call it salsa!). I then sprinkle with a little red pepper flakes but this can be optional. Bake for 9-12 minutes depending on your oven. Serve with whatever you’d like – we did a lightly dressed salad with feta cheese. Enjoy!