Honey Mustard Baked Salmon

Honey Mustard Baked Salmon transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special with its perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 25 minutes using simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

Last Tuesday evening, I found myself staring at four beautiful salmon fillets, wondering how to make them shine for my family’s dinner. That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s advice about combining sweet and savory flavors to create something magical. This honey mustard baked salmon recipe became an instant family favorite, and I’ve been making it weekly ever since. The marinade caramelizes into a gorgeous golden glaze that makes the salmon incredibly flavorful and tender. You’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Baked Salmon

This recipe has become a cornerstone in my kitchen because it delivers consistently delicious results every single time. I’ve served this honey mustard salmon to countless family gatherings, and it never fails to impress guests while remaining simple enough for busy weeknights.

• Easy to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have
• Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner ready in 25 minutes
• Healthy and nutritious meal packed with omega-3 fatty acids
• The sweet and tangy flavor combination appeals to adults and kids alike
• Great for meal prep since it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
• Consistently delivers tender, flaky salmon with a gorgeous caramelized glaze

This honey mustard baked salmon is more than just a dinner—it’s become our family’s go-to recipe when we want something both healthy and satisfying, just like our Greek Yogurt Chicken on busy nights.

Ingredient Note List

Salmon Fillets: I always recommend choosing fresh, wild-caught salmon when possible because it has the best flavor and texture for this honey mustard preparation.

Raw Honey: Raw honey provides deeper, more complex sweetness than processed honey and helps create that beautiful golden glaze when it caramelizes in the oven.

Dijon Mustard: The sharp, tangy flavor of Dijon mustard balances perfectly with the honey’s sweetness and gives the marinade its signature kick.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This helps the marinade coat the salmon evenly while adding healthy fats that keep the fish moist during baking.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: In my kitchen, I prefer low-sodium soy sauce because it adds umami depth without overwhelming the honey mustard flavors.

Garlic Powder: Make sure to pick garlic powder over fresh garlic for this recipe since it distributes more evenly throughout the marinade.

Fresh Herbs: I usually recommend dill or parsley as garnish because their bright, fresh flavors complement the rich honey mustard glaze beautifully.

How to Cook Honey Mustard Baked Salmon

Step 1. I usually start by preheating the oven to 375°F and lining my baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2. In a medium bowl, I combine the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well-blended.

Step 3. My grandmother always said to let protein marinate for at least 15 minutes, and she was absolutely right—this allows the flavors to penetrate the salmon for better taste.

Step 4. I’ve found that placing the salmon skin-side down on the baking sheet helps it cook evenly while keeping the flesh moist and tender.

Step 5. For best results, I recommend baking for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 6. My husband prefers when I broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes to get that gorgeous caramelized top, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 7. I usually let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute before serving with fresh herbs or lemon slices—just like how I plate our Sriracha Salmon Bowls. herbs or lemon slices.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover honey mustard baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the salmon cools completely before storing to maintain the best texture and prevent moisture buildup.

In my experience, this salmon doesn’t freeze as well as other preparations because the delicate texture can become slightly mushy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in foil and use within 1 month.

For best results, I recommend reheating leftover salmon in the oven at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also use the microwave on 50% power for 30-second intervals, but be careful not to overcook it.

What to Serve with Honey Mustard Baked Salmon

Roasted Asparagus: The crisp-tender texture and slightly bitter flavor of roasted asparagus provides a perfect contrast to the sweet honey mustard glaze.

Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs any extra marinade beautifully and creates a satisfying, complete meal that my family always requests.

Garlic Green Beans: The fresh, crisp texture of sautéed green beans adds color and nutrition—though I sometimes swap in our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli for an extra punch of flavor.

Quinoa Pilaf: In my kitchen, I often serve this salmon over quinoa, or better yet, a Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Vegetables for a protein-rich base.

Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness, or try our Refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad for a more hearty option.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes perfectly complements the honey in the glaze and adds beautiful color to the plate.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the salmon?

I recommend marinating for at least 15 minutes, but for deeper flavor, you can marinate up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating to ensure the honey mustard mixture adheres properly.

What if my honey mustard glaze burns during baking?

If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, cover the salmon loosely with foil and reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.

How many calories are in honey mustard baked salmon?

A 6-ounce serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a healthy, protein-rich meal option that fits most dietary plans.

Is honey mustard baked salmon healthy for weight loss?

Absolutely! This recipe is high in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in calories, making it excellent for weight management.

Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce or simply add a pinch more salt to the marinade for flavor depth.