Baked Salmon Lentils Lemon Sauce

Highlighted under: Vitality Meal Guide

This Baked Salmon Lentils Lemon Sauce recipe combines the rich flavors of salmon with nutritious lentils, all topped with a zesty lemon sauce.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-25T23:06:28.065Z

This dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of baked salmon and lentils not only provides a feast for the senses but also packs a nutritional punch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously flaky salmon infused with zesty lemon flavor
  • Nutritious lentils that add texture and heartiness
  • A balanced meal that is both healthy and satisfying
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

A Nutritional Powerhouse

This Baked Salmon Lentils Lemon Sauce recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also packed with a plethora of nutrients. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, improve brain function, and reduce inflammation. Coupled with lentils, which are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals, this dish offers a complete nutritional package that can help fuel your day.

Lentils are particularly noteworthy for their high fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. They are also loaded with iron and folate, making this meal a great choice for anyone looking to boost their energy and overall health. When combined with the antioxidant-rich lemon sauce, you have a balanced meal that does wonders for your body.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch of lentils at the beginning of the week and portion them out for quick lunches or dinners. The salmon can be baked fresh or cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you're ready to eat, and drizzle the lemon sauce right before serving for that fresh zing.

This dish not only saves time but also helps reduce food waste. Any leftover lentils can be repurposed into salads, soups, or even veggie burgers. With the right storage, this meal can remain delicious and nutritious throughout the week, ensuring you stick to your healthy eating goals without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While this recipe stands beautifully on its own, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for an extra boost of nutrients. A side of roasted asparagus or broccoli complements the rich flavors of the salmon and adds vibrant color to your plate. You might also enjoy a light quinoa or brown rice pilaf to soak up the delicious lemon sauce.

For a more Mediterranean touch, sprinkle some feta cheese or olives on top of the lentils before serving. Not only do these additions enhance the flavor profile, but they also introduce new textures that make each bite exciting. Don't forget to pair this meal with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing dining experience.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested

For the Lentils

  • 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme

For the Lemon Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and prepare as directed to enjoy this delicious dish!

Instructions

Prepare the Lentils

In a saucepan, combine the lentils, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, garlic, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Bake the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.

Make the Lemon Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Serve

Plate the lentils and top with baked salmon. Drizzle the lemon sauce over the top and enjoy!

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious meal!

Storage Tips

To ensure your Baked Salmon Lentils Lemon Sauce stays fresh, it's important to store it properly. If you have leftovers, place the salmon and lentils in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They can typically be stored for up to three days without sacrificing quality. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the lentils and salmon separately. This way, you can enjoy this delicious meal anytime without the need to cook from scratch. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor. The lemon sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a different type of fish, consider using trout or tilapia. Both options will still pair wonderfully with the lemon sauce and lentils. If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, swap the salmon for marinated tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the flavorful lemon sauce beautifully.

You can also explore different herbs and spices to add your personal touch. Dill, parsley, or even a hint of cumin can elevate the dish and give it a unique twist. Experiment with different vegetables in the lentil mix, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to incorporate seasonal produce and enhance the dish's nutritional value.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for lentils?

You can substitute quinoa or brown rice for lentils if preferred.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the lemon sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the lemon sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Baked Salmon Lentils Lemon Sauce

This Baked Salmon Lentils Lemon Sauce recipe combines the rich flavors of salmon with nutritious lentils, all topped with a zesty lemon sauce.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Vitality Meal Guide

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Salmon

  1. 4 salmon fillets
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. Salt and pepper to taste
  4. 1 lemon, juiced and zested

For the Lentils

  1. 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
  2. 3 cups vegetable broth
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 carrots, diced
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 teaspoon thyme

For the Lemon Sauce

  1. 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  3. 1 tablespoon honey
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, combine the lentils, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, garlic, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.

Step 03

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 04

Plate the lentils and top with baked salmon. Drizzle the lemon sauce over the top and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 35g