This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.

Bold, herby, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—this salmon with basil is crave-worthy weeknight magic. Rich salmon is generously coated with a fragrant garlic and fresh basil infused butter kissed with zesty lemon, then baked in aluminum foil to flaky, moist perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy, but secretly comes together in a flash—with almost no effort at all, think: 20 minutes and 6 ingredients! 

“Salmon, basil butter, one-pan meal. These are all things I like to hear, and it is delicious!”

– WALKER
Overhead photo of cooked salmon with fresh basil butter, lemons, and marinated tomatoes on a white plate.

Update: This recipe was originally published in September 2017. I’ve updated the article below to include more information about making this basil salmon recipe at home.  

Hi, friends! If you’re looking for a salmon recipe that feels fancy but fits your easy weeknight dinner flow, this salmon with basil butter has been calling your name.

Table of Contents

About this fresh basil salmon

Light, yet bold, herby and fresh, plus a total cinch to throw together, this basil and salmon combo is everything I love about warmer-weather, fuss-free cooking.

Imagine: bright-orange hued salmon brushed with a dazzling garlicky, lemony, garden-fresh basil kissed butter sauce, then wrapped in aluminum foil and oven-baked until perfectly flaky, beautifully moist, and absolutely delicious. Slightly sweet, wonderfully zesty, ideally robust, and fantastically fresh, this basil salmon recipe will transport your tastebuds to a summery sunlit garden near the sea! 

Made with 6 pantry ingredients and ready in 20 minutes or less, this dish works anytime you’re craving something fancy, but also need that something to be totally fuss-free. Serve it as a show-stopping dinner party centerpiece or at your next family weeknight meal, there’s never a wrong reason to indulge in delicious food!

If you’re looking for more delicious salmon dinners, be sure to try these recipes next: Adobo Salmon, Salmon with Green Sauce, and Quinoa and Salmon recipe.

Why this recipe works

  • Unique Flavors. Peppery fresh basil, fragrant garlic, bright lemon, rich butter, a touch of sweet honey, and a pinch of smoky paprika creates a salmon dish that’s unbelievably delicious. 
  • Dreamy Texture. Picture tender, juicy, beautifully rich salmon crowned with the perfect amount of velvety, flavor-packed butter.
  • Foolproof Foil Roasting Method. Baking the salmon in a foil packet locks in moisture while broiling for the last few minutes ensures the perfect caramelized finish. 
  • Effortless to Make. A handful of ingredients, most of which are already in your pantry or kitchen, 20 minutes, and — ta-da! — a show-stopping salmon dinner everyone will love. 
  • All-Season Charm. Bake the salmon with basil butter in the oven or take it outdoors to the grill. You can make this family-friendly, date-night approved recipe rain or shine, winter through summer.
Overhead photo of a raw filet of salmon, fresh basil leaves, pat of butter, whole lemon, garlic cloves, and small bowl of honey neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients for salmon with basil

As promised, you only need a few basic ingredients for this salmon and basil recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

  • Fresh Basil Leaves. The recipe’s star of the show—be sure to use vibrant, unblemished leaves.
  • Garlic. Use fresh garlic cloves and peel, grate them yourself for the best  punchy aroma and savory depth of flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter. Lends richness and helps the basil, garlic, lemon, honey, and seasonings blend into a slather-able spread. 
  • Honey. For a hint of sweetness.
  • Lemon. Brightens up and balances the richness of butter sauce. 
  • Italian Seasoning. Lends a touch of robust, earthy flavors that plays well with the sweet-savory flavors. 
  • Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper. To enhance all the flavors.
  • Salmon. For the best flavor, I recommend using for wild-caught Atlantic. I like to purchase a large center cut portion of salmon, but you can use salmon filets. Just make sure they’re evenly sized for uniform cooking.
    • Shopping Tip: Ask the seafood counter to remove the pin bones.

Recipe variations

  • No Basil? If you’re all out of fresh basil, try baby arugula or a combination of fresh parley and scallions for a different flavor profile.
  • Basil Parmesan Salmon. Stir a little freshly grated parmesan cheese into the basil butter for little salty, nutty, cheesy flavor.
  • With Veggies, Sheet Pan Style. Add cherry tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, or asparagus right to the baking sheet for a full one-pan dinner.
  • Grilled Foil Packets. If the weather permits, take the cooking outside. Throw the salmon foil packet on the grill instead of in the oven.
  • Spicy Kick. If you’re a lover of fiery foods, add a few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes to the basil butter. Or go spicy-sweet by drizzling a generous amount of hot honey over the baked basil salmon before serving—it’s so good!

If you have fresh basil leaves leftover, make sure that you store fresh basil properly and then put them to good here: recipe for basil hummus, basil tomato soup, and this strawberry and basil cocktail.

Action photo of a knife flaking apart an oven-baked fresh basil salmon filet on a bed of couscous.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this recipe. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

Do I need to remove the skin from the salmon?

Nope, you don’t need to do that, unless you want to. I prefer leaving the skin on as it’s incredibly easy to remove—it literally peels right off—after cooking. But, feel free to remove the skin before baking if that makes you happy!

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

You’ll want to use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant flavor. Unfortunately, dried basil just isn’t the same here. However, of course you are welcome to try it. But, start with 1/3 the amount of dried basil to fresh and adjust from there.

What can I use instead of butter?

While I have not tested this recipe using anything other than butter, you can try swapping in ghee, vegan butter, or a good-quality olive oil if you’d like

Why wrap salmon in foil?

Wrapping salmon in foil, also known as the foil packet method, is an incredibly simple technique and produces perfectly cooked, moist and tender fish!

There are a few reasons why you should wrap salmon in foil before baking, roasting or grilling:

  • Wrapping salmon in foil prevents the salmon from drying out. The foil keeps the fish tender and moist by trapping moisture inside the foil.
  • The foil packet method allows you to bake different flavors and seasonings into the salmon.
  • Bonus – by baking the salmon in aluminum foil there is no clean up required!

Can I grill this instead of baking?

You sure can! Just take the foil packet to the grill and follow the recipe as instructed.

Can I make this basil salmon recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the basil butter and season the salmon in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. And then remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Chef expert tips for perfect results every time

  • Quality Ingredients. The key to successful simple recipes it to start with high-quality ingr4edients. Grab fresh lemons, basil, and garlic. And purchase Atlantic salmon for the best results. 
  • Room Temp Salmon; Pat Dry. For better caramelization and even baking, be sure to let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. And use paper towels to pat it completely dry before slathering with the basil butter.
  • Zest Smart. For a finer, even texture, use a microplane when zesting the lemon. And, be sure to avoid the fibrous white pith.
  • Customize the Basil Butter. Give the basil butter a tiny taste before spreading it over the raw salmon. Everyone’s tastebuds are different so you may find it needs a small pinch of salt, pepper, or a little more lemon zest and honey. 
  • Bake And Broil. For ultra-moist, perfectly tender salmon that beautifully flakes apart, bake the salmon in a foil packed until it’s almost cooked to your liking. Then, unwrap the salmon and broil it for a couple minutes to caramelize the top and finish cooking. 
  • But, Don’t Overcook It. Just be careful not to overbake it. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque in the center (135-140°F before resting or 145 after resting).
  • Rest Before Serving. Give the basil salmon at least 2-3 minutes out of the oven. This gives the juices an opportunity to redistribute, resulting in moister salmon. 
  • Garnish It. Remember, you eat with your eyes first. So, consider garnishing this salmon basil recipe with a flurry of fresh basil, a scattering of fresh lemon zest, flakey sea salt, and freshly ground pepper before serving. (See serving section below for more ideas.)

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

If you’re looking for the detailed measurements and full recipe instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. 

Overhead photo collage showing how to make baked butter salmon in foil step by step.

Serving salmon with fresh basil

Common serving suggestions

  • With a Side of Tomatoes. I personally think the buttery salmon with fresh basil and lemon pairs terrifically with the robust flavors and juicy texture of balsamic marinated tomatoes or roasted tomatoes. But, bruschetta tomato topped crostini toasts work too.
  • Bistro Style with Bread. Serve the basil butter salmon simply, with a side of freshly-baked sourdough, rustic Italian bread, pesto garlic bread, or roasted garlic bread, and a chilled glass of white wine. 
  • Alongside a Crisp Salad. Keep things light and enjoy alongside a flavorful Caesar salad with plenty of parmesan and lemon wedges. Or make things hearty with a fully loaded chopped Italian sub salad.
  • Over Fluffy Rice or Grains. Dish it the flavorful salmon up on a bed of fluffy lemon rice or try lemon couscous if you prefer grain-size pasta. 

Unique serving ideas

  • Paired with Potatoes. Serve alongside crispy roasted baby potatoes or on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for a satisfying dinner.
  • On a Bed of Pasta. Flake leftovers into a bowl of warm olive oil tossed pasta and finish extra basil and parmesan cheese for a quick lunch. Or simply serve it over this recipe for cherry tomato sauce pasta (humbly, it’s the best) or stir in white mac n cheese recipes.
  • Add to a Grain Bowl. Use as the protein in a hearty grain bowl with quinoa, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted veggies.
  • Hand-Held Style. Wrap the salmon in lettuce cups with pickled onions and a drizzle of aioli for a low-carb twist. Or tuck it into toasted sourdough with whipped ricotta for a hearty lunch.

Storing leftovers

  • Refrigerator Storage. Let the cooked salmon with basil cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer Storage. Most salmon you purchase at the store is previously frozen, so you cannot safely re-freeze it. Because of this, I recommend simply freezing raw salmon filets. You can store raw salmon in a freezer-safe storage bag in the freezer for up to 3 months and then thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
  • Reheating Leftovers. Gently reheat the salmon in the oven at 300°F until warm throughout.
Close-up photo of the moist, tender inside of a filet of salmon baked with basil butter.

This fresh basil salmon recipe is proof that weeknight dinners can be simple, sensational, and made in under 30 minutes. With its fragrant herb butter, zesty citrus kick, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this seafood recipe checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, family-friendly, and seriously impressive. 

I hope you try it out! But don’t forget to share your results with me in the comments section below. I LOVE hearing about your kitchen wins. And I appreciate when you catch my typos too! 😉 

Cheyanne

Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!

More baked salmon dinners

If you love this dish, try one of these quick and easy salmon recipes next:

Overhead photo of an oven-baked salmon with basil butter and marinated cherry tomatoes on a large white serving plate.

Basil Salmon in Foil

5 from 14 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Bold, herby, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—this salmon with basil is pure crave-worthy weeknight magic. Rich salmon is generously coated with a fragrant garlic and fresh basil infused butter kissed with zesty lemon, then baked in aluminum foil to flaky, moist perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy, but secretly comes together in a flash—with almost no effort at all, think: 20 minutes and 6 ingredients! 

Equipment

  • 1 Small Bowl – for the basil butter
  • 1 Baking Sheet with Aluminum Foil – for baking basil salmon

Ingredients 

  • 5 -6 large Fresh Basil Leaves – chopped; plus more for garnish
  • 2 cloves Garlic – peeled and grated
  • 3 ½ TBS Unsalted Butter – melted and cooled
  • 1 TBS Honey
  • 1 large Lemon – ½ the lemon zested ( about packed ½ tsp) and ½ the lemon cut into wedges
  • ¼ tsp Italian Seasoning
  • To Taste Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 to 1.25 pounds Salmon – preferably center cut; patted dry
  • Optional for Serving: Marinated Tomatoes or Roasted Tomatoes (SEE NOTES) and Crusty Bread

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange oven rack to the middle position position and then preheat the oven to 425-degrees Fahrenheit.
    Line a large baking sheet with a piece of aluminum foil large enough that you will be able to fold it all the way over the salmon and seal. Then set the pan aside.
  • Make Basil Butter: In a small bowl, combine the basil, garlic, butter, honey, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
    Use a fork to stir the ingredients together until fully combined.
  • Spread Butter Over Raw Salmon: Place the salmon on top of the aluminum, arranging it so that it's skin-side-down in the center of the foil.
    Then, pour the basil butter evenly over the salmon, using a small rubber spatula or butter knife to gently spread all the basil butter evenly over the top of the salmon. Next, lightly season the salmon with salt and pepper.
    Finally, fold the foil up and around the salmon to create a packet, and use your fingers to crimp the edges together to seal to ensure the basil butter doesn't leak out the sides.
  • Bake Salmon in Foil: Place the salmon foil packet into the preheated oven on the center rack and bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the salmon is ALMOST cooked to your liking.
    Remove the salmon from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack.
  • Broil Salmon: Switch the oven to broil.
    Un-crimp the edges of the foil and then unfold and pull the foil back to reveal the salmon. Use a spoon to ladle and baste the pooled basil butter sauce over the top of the salmon.
    Return the salmon to the oven and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking and slightly caramelized on top.
    Remove the salmon from the oven and place onto a wire rack.
    Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
    (Note: Be sure to keep an eye on the salmon as it’s broiling, it can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly.)
  • Serve Basil Salmon: Transfer the basil butter salmon to a serving platter and garnish with fresh basil, chopped parsley, or thyme; flakey sea salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
    Serve with lemon wedges and marinated or roasted tomatoes on the side. Enjoy immediately!
    Overhead photo of an oven-baked salmon with basil butter and marinated cherry tomatoes on a large white serving plate.

Video

Notes

  • Roasted Tomatoes: Please follow the below instructions if you’d like to add roasted tomatoes to make this a sheet pan meal:
  • Roasted Tomatoes Ingredients:
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
    • 1 medium shallot – peeled and finely sliced
    • 1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 1 TBS Red Wine Vinegar
    • 2 TBS Chives – thinly sliced
  • Instructions:
    • Line Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil – you’ll place the foil packet of salmon on this foil.
    • Toss Tomatoes: Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl and season with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and a generous pinch of pepper. Grab a spoon and gently toss the ingredients to fully combine.
    • Marinate: Set the tomatoes aside on the counter at room temperature and let them marinate while you prepare the basil butter and salmon.
    • Add Tomatoes to Pan with Foil Packet Salmon: After you seal the foil packet of salmon, use a slotted spoon to scatter the tomatoes onto the foil-lined pan, discarding the marinade or you can keep it and drizzle it over the tomatoes after they’re roasted – it’s up to you.
    • Roast Tomatoes with Salmon. Follow the recipe instructions, baking the salmon for 10-13 minutes. Then remove the tomatoes from the pan and transfer them to a plate before opening the foil packet and broiling the salmon.
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal    Carbohydrates: 7g    Protein: 23g    Fat: 17g    Saturated Fat: 7g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g    Monounsaturated Fat: 5g    Trans Fat: 0.4g    Cholesterol: 89mg    Sodium: 52mg    Potassium: 606mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 5g    Vitamin A: 365IU    Vitamin C: 15mg    Calcium: 29mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: dinner, entree
Cuisine: Italian

Did you make this recipe?

Mention @nospoonnecessary on Instagram and tag it #nospoonnecessary!

©No Spoon Necessary.  All images and content are under copyright protection. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you want to reference this recipe, please do so by linking directly to this post.