Even the strictest followers of ketogenic diets need to add protein to balance their diet. This easy keto baked salmon recipe is a low-calorie sheet pan dinner that is ready in under thirty minutes and is high in protein, but low in calories and fat.
Truth be told, I used to avoid salmon. But, during my first year I was on keto, I made a big mistake: I completely cut protein from my diet and suffered for it. I suffered from muscle loss, hair loss, and fatigue, to say the least.
I needed a way to add more protein to my diet that still followed keto guidelines. So, I started experimenting with keto salmon recipes.
I was surprised to discover two things: Salmon–especially this keto-baked salmon recipe–is quick, easy to make, and delicious. All salmon needs is the right sauce.
You’ll Love Keto Baked Salmon with Fresh Herbs
Here’s why:
- Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is the perfect weeknight entree.
- Keto-friendly salmon can be prepared and served in a variety of ways, with an infinite number of sides, making this an easy (and healthy!) weeknight staple.
- Prep and clean-out are both super simple.
- Just like your freshly-baked Keto Baked Salmon, leftovers can be used in various ways, like on top of salads or in fish tacos.
Salmon is The Superfood Missing From Your Keto Diet
- Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart and brain health.
- Keto diets are all about keeping carb intake as limited as possible. Thankfully, salmon is low in carbs, so it’s the perfect protein to add to keto-friendly meals.
- Besides Omega-3 fatty acids and protein, salmon is packed with vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds wild Alaskan salmon, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons fresh chopped chives (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- pinch of salt & pepper
How to Make Keto Baked Salmon with Fresh Herbs
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until the sauce is evenly combined.
- Pat the salmon filets dry on both sides with paper towels. Place on the baking sheet.
- Top each filet with approximately 2 to 3 teaspoons of the herb mixture, depending on the size of the filets. Use a silicone brush to coat the top of the filets with the herb mixture.
- Bake for 13 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, before serving.
FAQ
Whether or not salmon recipes are keto-friendly often comes down to the ingredients. You’ll want to avoid cooking with added sugars or using sauces high in carbs.
Also, when you’re making the choice between farmed salmon or wild-caught, opt for wild-caught. Not only is this the more sustainable option, wild-caught salmon typically have a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids.
If you’re lactose intolerant but want to try this recipe, there are a few different options you can use to swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream.
The easiest substitute would be a vegan version of mayonnaise or tofu sour cream. However, coconut and cashew are great non-dairy substitutes.
If you’re unsure what to serve with your keto-baked salmon, there are several different keto-friendly side dishes that would compliment the flavors in your salmon. For instance, you can roast vegetables with garlic and lemon or place your salmon on a bed of zucchini noodles.
Stuck on sides? Try pairing your keto-baked salmon with either Balsamic Roasted Green Beans and Strawberries, or serve with Mashed Cauliflower.
How to Store Keto Baked Salmon with Fresh Herbs
Another reason we love this keto-baked salmon recipe is how easy storing leftovers is. Not only is baked salmon safe to keep in the fridge for up to four days, but you can also freeze your leftovers.
Just be sure to date your leftovers; salmon should be eaten within three months of the cook date.
Keto Baked Salmon with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds wild alaskan salmon boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons fresh chopped chives plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley plus more for garnish
- pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until the sauce is evenly combined.
- Pat the salmon filets dry on both sides with paper towels. Place on the baking sheet.
- Top each filet with approximately 2 to 3 teaspoons of the herb mixture, depending on the size of the filets. Use a silicone brush to coat the top of the filets with the herb mixture.
- Bake for 13 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, before serving.