Baked Herbed Salmon Parcels with Lemon and Dill

A healthy, tasty and quick salmon recipe that’s perfect for a midweek meal.

These herby salmon parcels take just a few minutes to assemble, bake in around 20 minutes, and deliver fresh, vibrant flavour with minimal fuss. The method is ideal when you want a nutritious dinner without lots of washing up—seal the fish and herbs in foil and let the oven do the work.

To prepare, lay a sheet of kitchen foil on a baking tray, lightly spritz with oil, place the salmon fillets on top and pile on plenty of fresh herbs. I often use a mix of basil, dill and coriander, but you can choose whatever you prefer. Fold the foil into a tight parcel so steam can’t escape and bake until the fish is cooked through and flaky.

Make it your way

• Swap the salmon for another firm fish if you prefer, such as trout or cod.
• Experiment with different herb combinations — parsley, tarragon, chives or mint all work well.
• Add a spoonful of pesto, a little lemon zest, or a smear of Thai curry paste for extra flavour.

Herby salmon parcels

Ingredients

• 2 boneless salmon fillets
• 2 large handfuls of fresh herbs, chopped (use a mix you enjoy)
• Spritz or drizzle of olive oil
• Optional: lemon slices, a spoonful of pesto or a light smear of curry paste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C / 400°F). If your oven runs hot or the fillets are thin, reduce the temperature slightly.
2. Lay a sheet of foil on a baking tray and lightly oil the centre. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if the skin is on) on the foil. Scatter the chopped herbs over the top and add any optional flavourings such as a lemon slice or a small dollop of pesto. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
3. Fold the foil to form a sealed parcel so steam is trapped inside. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque through the middle. Cooking time may vary slightly with thickness—check after 15 minutes for very thin fillets.
4. Carefully open the parcel away from your face to release the hot steam. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with steamed rice or new potatoes tossed in butter or olive oil.
• Slide the cooked salmon into toasted ciabatta or flatbread with a dollop of lemon mayonnaise for a quick sandwich.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or tenderstem broccoli for a light, balanced meal.

Cook’s tips

• Make the parcels in the morning and keep them in the fridge so they’re ready to pop straight into the oven after work.
• If doubling the recipe, use two separate parcels on the tray to ensure even cooking.
• For a slightly crisp finish, open the parcel for the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, but watch carefully so the fish doesn’t dry out.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours and are great flaked into salads or onto toast.

Looking for more family-friendly meal ideas? Explore additional easy dinner and fish recipes to find inspiration for quick, healthy meals throughout the week.