Lemony Honey Mustard Salmon For a Quick Meal

There are so many ways to cook salmon! When wanting something light and fresh, this lemony Honey Mustard Salmon is the perfect choice! With juicy, flaky salmon and a sweet, tangy glaze, this dish is full of flavor and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

This honey mustard glazed salmon is great any time of year, but it’s especially perfect for spring or summer. The light, fresh flavors of lemon and mustard balance out the rich salmon beautifully. It's also a hit at family dinners, holidays, or even a backyard barbecue.

The best part was how easy it was to make, but it tasted like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.

Salmon is a popular fish because it's delicious and healthy, packed with good-for-you omega-3s. When you add a honey mustard glaze, you get a mix of sweet and savory that makes every bite irresistible. This combo has become a favorite in homes everywhere!

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top Tip
• FAQ
• Related

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Here are some reasons why we love this recipe:

• Super easy to make: It’s quick and simple, perfect for busy nights.
• Tons of flavor: The honey mustard glaze is sweet, tangy, and delicious.
• Healthy: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, so it's good for you too!
• Family favorite: Everyone loves the taste, even picky eaters.
• Versatile: You can pair it with lots of sides like veggies, rice, or salad.
• Cooks fast: Ready in less than 30 minutes!
• Fancy: It looks and tastes fancy, but it’s really easy to pull off.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this Honey Mustard Salmon are simple, but they pack a lot of flavor. You’ll need salmon fillets, of course, and then a few basics like honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to make the glaze.

For the salmon fillets, you want fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible. It has more flavor and is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. If you can’t find fresh, frozen fillets work too—just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Honey adds the perfect sweetness to balance the tanginess of the mustard. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as substitutes.

Dijon mustard is key for that tangy flavor. It has a smooth texture and a sharp taste, but you can use yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor. I also like to mix in a bit of whole grain mustard to keep the texture interesting.

Lemon juice adds brightness and freshness to the glaze. Freshly squeezed is best because it has a stronger, more vibrant flavor than bottled.

Olive oil helps the salmon cook without sticking and gives it a nice, tender texture. Extra virgin olive oil is a healthier choice, full of good fats and antioxidants.

Garlic adds depth and a savory kick to the glaze. Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

Thyme brings a subtle herbal flavor that pairs well with the honey and mustard. Fresh thyme has a stronger flavor than dried, but if you only have dried on hand, just use a little less.

Salt and pepper are simple but essential for bringing out all the other flavors.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook the Honey Mustard Salmon! Follow these easy steps, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal ready to enjoy.

Serve your salmon with a side of roasted veggies, quinoa, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with fresh dill and serve with lemon wedges on the side!

Hint: Salmon cooks quickly, so start checking it at the 8-minute mark. It should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Variations

Here are three fun variations you can try with this Honey Mustard Salmon recipe to mix things up!

Citrus Honey Mustard Salmon: Switch things up by using orange juice instead of lemon juice in the glaze. The orange adds a slightly sweeter, more fruity flavor that complements the honey mustard perfectly. You can even zest the orange for a more intense citrus punch!

Herb-Crusted Honey Mustard Salmon: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, press fresh or dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, or even dill into the glaze before cooking. This adds a fragrant, crispy herb crust that pairs beautifully with the honey mustard glaze.

Looking for something completely different? Try this amazing teriyaki salmon I'm sure you'll love it!

Equipment

For this Honey Mustard Salmon recipe, you’ll need an air fryer, which is perfect for cooking the salmon quickly and getting that nice crispy top without drying it out. If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—you can easily bake the salmon in the oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes.

Simple kitchen tools, but they help make this dish super easy and delicious!

Storage

Storing in the Fridge:

If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat it in the air fryer or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it so the salmon stays tender.

Storing in the Freezer:

You can also freeze this salmon if you want to save it for later. Once it cools, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The salmon will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Although, I would recommend eating it fresh 🙂

FAQ

Related

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