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Home / Blog / Recipes

Lemon Pepper Salmon

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By:

Madeline

Updated: April 29, 2024

This site may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe is the easiest way to make a tender, flakey and flavorful filet of salmon in less than 20 minutes. This Whole30 salmon recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Quick

Minimal prep

You’ll Learn: The go-to process for a simple, healthy protein that’s flexible for meal prep or easy salads

Worth It: Salmon stays perfectly soft and flakey, making leftovers a treat

Bonus: One-pan approach for easy cleanup

Above view of lemon pepper salmon filets in a pan

A simple and healthy one-pan salmon recipe

There are tons of reasons why I try to eat salmon at least once a week for lunch, but the top reason has to be because it tastes so good! I used to crispy my salmon up in a cast iron skillet. Lately I like it a bit softer and have found this lemon pepper salmon recipe to be perfect.

I especially love lemon pepper salmon on a big salad for lunch. When I share my salmon in a lunchbox on instagram I inevitably get the question, but do you eat it cold?! And the answer is yes, I do.

I don’t mind it cold, but if you prefer to have it warm just enjoy it at home. Otherwise, you’re that person in the office who reheats your fish in the shared microwave. Nobody wants to be that person.

Above view of flaked lemon pepper salmon recipe on a plate

What kitchen tools will I need to make this Whole30 Salmon Recipe?

  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Liquid measuring cup
  • Mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
above view of lemon salmon, white rice, and a creamy herb sauce on a plate

How should I enjoy this simple healthy salmon?

The beautiful thing about this tender and flakey salmon is that the flavor is very versatile. That means you can pair it with basically anything you want! My favorite way to enjoy lemon pepper salmon is on a big chopped salad with alllll the toppings.

Lemon pepper salmon is also delicious over a bed of zoodles, with roasted brussels sprouts or with this baby bok choy. Or if you’re feeling really creative, like I am some days, flake off some of the salmon and put it on a tortilla. It makes a delicious fish taco.

What ingredients will I need to make this Lemon Pepper Salmon?

  • Salmon filets
  • Lemon
  • Avocado oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
 
Side view of lemon pepper salmon filets on a plate

How to make Lemon Pepper Salmon

To make this salmon you will need filets of salmon. I opt for wild caught when I can.

For the marinade, you will need lemon juice, avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Combine the marinade and toss the fish in it.

Cook the fish in a frying pan in the marinade over medium-low heat.

Start skin side down, cook for 4-5 minutes and then flip. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes and then remove the fish from the pan.

The salmon will be cooked through, but soft and flakey.

Check out these other healthy salmon recipes!

  • Instant Pot Salmon and Rice
  • Simple Sheet Pan Salmon
  • Chili Lime Poached Salmon

The full recipe can be found down below. If you try this out, please share your meal with me on Instagram!

Image for pinning Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe on pinterest

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

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Recipe

Lemon Pepper Salmon

5 from 2 votes
A simple and delicious one-pan salmon recipe
Recipe By: Madeline
Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 10 minutes minutes
Print Review Pin It SaveSaved!
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 fillets of salmon
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
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Instructions

  • If needed, cut salmon into fillets
  • Pour lemon juice, avocado oil, salt, and pepper into a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly
  • Toss salmon fillets in lemon pepper marinade
  • Add a drizzle of oil to a frying pan and heat over medium-low heat
  • Once warm add the salmon to the pan skin side down and pour the lemon pepper marinade over top
  • Cook the fillets skin side down for 4-5 minutes (depending on thickness)
  • Flip the fillets and cook skin side up for an additional 4-5 minutes
  • Remove from the pan and enjoy immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container for no more than 2 days

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2g, Calories: 492kcal (25%), Carbohydrates: 3g (1%), Protein: 34g (68%), Fat: 38g (58%), Saturated Fat: 5g (31%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 23g, Cholesterol: 94mg (31%), Sodium: 1238mg (54%), Potassium: 878mg (25%), Fiber: 0.3g (1%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 75IU (2%), Vitamin C: 12mg (15%), Calcium: 27mg (3%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Did you make my Lemon Pepper Salmon?

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Madeline

Hi, I’m Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let’s get cooking!
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Recipe Rating




8 responses

  1. Lauren
    May 19, 2020

    Prior to this method I was always scared to cook salmon because I would burn it or undercook it! Thank you for teaching me how to not ruin it 🙂 simple but tastes great at room temp which is perfect for lunches

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      May 22, 2020

      Yes! that was the goal of this recipe! Keep it simple but remind people that they can actually cook fish without fear!

      Reply
  2. Ghadeer
    September 1, 2020

    I wonder what that yummy green sauce is in the photo with the salmon and rice?

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      September 1, 2020

      Hi! Its a creamy zhoug sauce. You can find the recipe here https://madaboutfood.co/creamy-zhoug-sauce/

      Reply
  3. Brittany
    August 25, 2021

    5 stars
    I made this salmon recipe this evening for my husband and daughter. They loved the flavor and my husband raved this is the best salmon recipe he’s ever had. He said the flavor was simple, refreshing, and delicious.
    Side note- Our five year old daughter ate this with no complaints-plus asked for a second piece. I’m so glad to have a new family favorite recipe! Thank you, Madeline for the recipe!

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      August 27, 2021

      wonderful!!! thank you so much!

      Reply
  4. Mary
    August 29, 2021

    5 stars
    Easy and delish

    Reply
    1. Madeline
      August 30, 2021

      yay!!

      Reply

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