Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortless yet elegant this dish is. The honey mustard glaze is bold but balanced, combining rich Dijon mustard with sweet honey and a hint of lemon for brightness. It’s one of those meals that looks like I’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together in a single pan with very little prep. It’s great for family dinners, but it also never fails to impress when I’m hosting guests. And the best part? Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
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I begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
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In a small bowl, I whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon juice until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
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I place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle them lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
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I spoon the honey mustard glaze evenly over each piece of salmon, making sure they’re well coated.
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I bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, just until it flakes easily with a fork and the glaze starts to caramelize around the edges.
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Once it’s out of the oven, I garnish the fillets with fresh parsley and serve immediately with any extra glaze from the pan.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
There are plenty of ways I like to customize this honey mustard salmon depending on my mood or pantry:
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I swap Dijon for whole grain mustard when I want a bit more texture in the glaze.
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For a hint of spice, I add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the glaze.
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When I want a more citrusy kick, I replace the lemon juice with orange juice and zest.
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I’ve also added a splash of soy sauce for an extra layer of umami richness.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover salmon keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I use a low oven (around 300°F) and warm it for about 10 minutes until heated through. If the glaze thickens too much in the fridge, I stir in a splash of water or lemon juice before reheating. I try to avoid the microwave so the salmon stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?
Yes, I can use frozen salmon, but I always make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before adding the glaze. That helps the flavors stick better and keeps the salmon from becoming watery.
What sides go best with honey mustard salmon?
I love serving it with roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad. It’s also great with rice or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce.
Can I cook this on the grill?
Absolutely. I place the salmon on foil over the grill to prevent sticking, then brush on the glaze while it cooks. It usually takes about the same amount of time as baking.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
I look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F. The glaze should be slightly caramelized and glossy on top.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
If I don’t have Dijon, I use yellow mustard or even spicy brown mustard. It changes the flavor slightly but still gives a great result.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Salmon is the kind of dish that brings big flavor with very little effort. The glaze is bold and vibrant, the salmon stays tender and flaky, and the whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests, this recipe always delivers that perfect balance of comfort and elegance. It’s a staple I come back to again and again.
Print
Honey Mustard Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy honey mustard salmon recipe delivers juicy, tender fillets coated in a tangy-sweet glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon and spread the honey mustard sauce 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 with fresh parsley and serve hot with any remaining sauce.
Notes
For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Use whole grain mustard for extra texture and tang.
Serve with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp green salad.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
