Cilantro Lime Salmon

This Cilantro Lime Salmon is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy seafood dinner that’s bursting with bold citrus and herb flavors. Tender oven-baked salmon is coated in a zesty garlic cilantro sauce, then topped with fresh tomato and lime slices for a beautiful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in less than 30 minutes
• Fresh garlic, cilantro, and lime flavor
• Healthy, high-protein dinner
• Naturally gluten-free and low carb
• Perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining
• Easy one-pan recipe with minimal cleanup
• Delicious served with rice, vegetables, or salad

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 2 pounds skinless salmon fillet
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large tomato, sliced into rounds
• ½ lime, sliced into rounds

For the Garlic Cilantro Sauce

• 4–6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (tender stems included)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil and place the salmon fillet inside. Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature while preparing the sauce.
3. In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic, cilantro, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of kosher salt.
4. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth, vibrant green sauce.
5. Season the salmon lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Spoon a generous amount of the garlic cilantro sauce over the salmon, spreading it evenly across the top. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
7. Arrange the tomato slices and lime slices evenly over the salmon.
8. Bake in the upper half of the oven for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C).
9. Remove the pan from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let the salmon rest for 5–8 minutes before serving.
10. Serve the Cilantro Lime Salmon with the reserved garlic cilantro sauce spooned over the top.

Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh cilantro for the brightest flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
• A meat thermometer is the easiest way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon.
• Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy variation.
• Pair with cilantro-lime rice, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
• Extra sauce also makes an excellent dressing or marinade for chicken and shrimp.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, High Protein

Notes

• Skin-on salmon may also be used; bake skin-side down.
• Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Roma tomatoes hold their shape well during baking, but any ripe tomato works.
• Leftover cilantro sauce can be refrigerated and used as a marinade or drizzle for vegetables.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125–130°F for a moist finish or 145°F if preferred.

Can I grill this recipe instead?

Absolutely. Grill the salmon over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Can I make the cilantro sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.

What side dishes pair well with Cilantro Lime Salmon?

Cilantro-lime rice, roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, quinoa, steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or a fresh garden salad all make excellent sides.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm gently in a 300°F oven or microwave at reduced power to prevent drying out.

Similar Recipes

• Creamy Avocado Dip
• Tropical Fruit Salsa with Homemade Cinnamon Chips

Cilantro Lime Salmon

Cilantro Lime Salmon is an easy oven-baked seafood recipe featuring fresh garlic, cilantro, lime, and juicy tomatoes.

Ready in just 30 minutes.

Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon

• 2 pounds skinless salmon fillet
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large tomato sliced into rounds
• ½ lime sliced into rounds

For the Garlic Cilantro Sauce

• 4 –6 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro roughly chopped (tender stems included)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil and place the salmon fillet inside. Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature while preparing the sauce.
• In a food processor, combine the chopped garlic, cilantro, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of kosher salt.
• Blend until the mixture forms a smooth, vibrant green sauce.
• Season the salmon lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Spoon a generous amount of the garlic cilantro sauce over the salmon, spreading it evenly across the top. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
• Arrange the tomato slices and lime slices evenly over the salmon.
• Bake in the upper half of the oven for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C).
• Remove the pan from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let the salmon rest for 5–8 minutes before serving.
• Serve the Cilantro Lime Salmon with the reserved garlic cilantro sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

• Skin-on salmon may also be used; bake skin-side down.
• Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Roma tomatoes hold their shape well during baking, but any ripe tomato works.
• Leftover cilantro sauce can be refrigerated and used as a marinade or drizzle for vegetables.

 

Conclusion

This Cilantro Lime Salmon is an easy, flavorful recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal. The fresh garlic cilantro sauce, bright lime, and juicy tomato slices perfectly complement the tender salmon, creating a healthy dinner that’s ideal for both weeknight meals and entertaining. Serve it with your favorite vegetables or grains for a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home.