Cilantro Lime Salmon (Easy, 20-Minute Recipe)

Name: Cilantro Lime Salmon (Easy, 20-Minute Recipe)
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (cut into 4 equal portions); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped); 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Cilantro Lime Salmon is the perfect blend of zesty, savory, and fresh, all baked to flaky perfection in under 20 minutes. It’s a healthy, flavorful, one-pan meal that makes cleanup an absolute breeze. If you’re looking for a recipe that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant but is incredibly easy to make at home, you’ve found it.

We combine fresh cilantro, bright lime juice, and a hint of garlic to create a simple yet powerful marinade that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the salmon. It’s a dish that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in color, guaranteed to brighten up your dinner table.

Why This Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe Works

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Second, the flavor is simply outstanding. The fresh, zesty marinade cuts through the richness of the fish, creating a beautifully balanced bite every time. It’s also naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with protein and healthy omega-3s.

Key Ingredients

The magic of this dish comes from a few fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salmon

Salmon Fillets: You’ll want about 1.5 pounds of salmon, cut into four equal fillets. Opt for skin-on or skinless, whichever you prefer.
Olive Oil: A little helps the salmon cook evenly and prevents it from sticking.
Salt and Pepper: To season the fish and enhance all the other flavors.

For the Cilantro Lime Marinade

Fresh Cilantro: The star of the show! You’ll need a big handful, finely chopped.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best for the brightest flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth that pairs wonderfully with the lime and cilantro.
Olive Oil: Forms the base of our simple marinade.
Honey: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the lime juice. You can also use maple syrup.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a tiny bit of background heat.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Salmon (Step-by-Step)

Making this baked cilantro lime salmon is as easy as 1-2-3. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result.

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is key to getting a nice texture. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and optional red pepper flakes.
Season and Bake: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Spoon the cilantro lime marinade evenly over the top of each fillet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges before serving hot.

A healthy salmon dinner plated with rice and roasted vegetables, featuring the cilantro lime salmon as the centerpiece. — A perfect, healthy meal for any night of the week.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Salmon

To ensure your Cilantro Lime Salmon is a showstopper every single time, keep these simple tips in mind.

Don’t Overcook: The number one rule for any salmon recipe is to avoid overcooking it. Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, but I recommend pulling it out around 140°F and letting it rest for a few minutes. It will continue to cook from the residual heat.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For a marinade this simple, fresh is best. Use freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro for the most vibrant flavor.
Pat the Salmon Dry: Using a paper towel to pat the fillets dry ensures the marinade adheres well and the salmon’s exterior can cook perfectly.

What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Salmon

This salmon is incredibly versatile. For a complete and satisfying meal, pair it with a simple side. Coconut rice or quinoa are excellent choices to soak up the delicious juices. For a healthy dose of vegetables, try serving it alongside some Crispy Roasted Cauliflower or simple steamed asparagus. A light and refreshing cucumber ranch salad also makes a wonderful pairing, adding a cool, creamy contrast to the zesty fish.

Two baked salmon fillets in a dish, topped with a vibrant green cilantro lime sauce and fresh lime slices. — The simple marinade makes this salmon dish incredibly flavorful.

Recipe Variations

While the baked version is fantastic, this recipe is also great for other cooking methods!

Grilled Cilantro Lime Salmon: Marinate the salmon for about 15 minutes before placing it on a preheated grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side.
Pan-Seared Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Place the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) and sear for 4-6 minutes until crispy. Flip, top with the cilantro-lime mixture, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
Add Some Spice: If you like a little more heat, add some finely diced jalapeño to the marinade.

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use the oven or a toaster oven set to a low temperature (around 275°F) to warm it through gently without drying it out. You can also enjoy it cold, flaked over a salad for a delicious lunch the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cilantro lime salmon on the grill?

Definitely! This recipe is fantastic on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Let the salmon marinate for about 15 minutes, then grill for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before you begin. Pat it very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding the marinade.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it becomes opaque and flakes easily when pressed with a fork. The most accurate way to check is with a meat thermometer; it should read 140-145°F at the thickest part.

How long can I store leftover cilantro lime salmon?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s delicious cold on a salad or gently reheated in a low-temperature oven.

What is the best type of salmon to use?

Coho, Sockeye, or King salmon are all excellent choices for this recipe due to their rich flavor and firm texture. However, any type of salmon fillet you have access to will work well.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this easy salmon dish, you’ll definitely want to try our Honey Garlic Salmon Bites next! We hope you enjoy this simple yet elegant Cilantro Lime Salmon. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!