A friend of mine introduced me to what inspired this baked salmon with mayo many years ago. Her process was super simple – season salmon, slather with mayo, top with pieces of butter and lemon slices, and bake. While it’s not the traditional way to bake salmon, it’s a mayo lover’s dream and is surprisingly delicious. I’ve since experimented with her original version and settled on the perfect salmon mayo recipe: skip the butter, add parmesan on top, and IF you have time, swap the mayo with lemon garlic aioli for even more flavor. Just like my lemon baked cod fish and baked rainbow trout, this one comes together lightning fast!
Salmon Mayo Recipe Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for baking salmon with mayo, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Salmon fillets – I used two pink salmon fillets that were one pound each, but you could also use one large fillet or several individual-sized fillets. Learn more about how to select salmon at the store in my pan seared salmon post. I also love wild-caught salmon from here (use this link for $15 off a whole box).Mayonnaise – Use your favorite mayonnaise, or for the cleanest option, make homemade avocado oil mayo. For even more flavor, use garlic lemon aioli sauce instead of the mayo. Aioli is not the same as mayo, but often makes a good substitute in recipes like this one!Grated parmesan cheese – Be sure it’s grated, not shredded.Fresh lemon – Slice it thinly and top the salmon mayo recipe with it. It looks pretty and infuses lemon flavor into the topping!Sea salt & black pepper
How To Bake Salmon With Mayo
This section shows how to make baked salmon with mayo with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Season salmon. Pat salmon dry with paper towels, then season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.Top with mayo. Spread the mayo onto the salmon fillets. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and top with lemon slices.
Bake. Place the lemon garlic salmon in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
How Long To Bake Salmon At 450
Remember this rule of thumb: oven baked salmon at 450 degrees will take about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. Most fillets are about 1 inch thick, so it comes out to about 8-10 minutes. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you have a larger fillet, you can also insert a fork or knife into the center and twist to see if it flakes there. Preferences for salmon doneness can vary from medium rare to well done. If you want to be exact, use an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish. The FDA recommends that baked salmon internal temp should reach 145 degrees F [*]. But, many people also enjoy salmon a little rarer than that, so many baked salmon fillet recipes will cook it until it reaches 130-140 degrees F. I usually aim for 130 degrees.
Storage Instructions
To store: Store leftover baked salmon fillets in the fridge for 3-5 days. To meal prep: It’s best to bake the salmon with mayo fresh. But, you can top the salmon with everything, cover the pan, and store raw in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking.To reheat: You can use the salmon cold in salads, or reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F. The microwave works in a pinch to reheat, but is more likely to dry out the fish.Freezing is not recommended, because mayo does not freeze well.
What To Serve With Mayo Parmesan Salmon
Oven Baked AsparagusSauteed RadishesSauteed BroccoliRoasted Garlic CauliflowerCaesar Salad
More Easy Salmon Recipes
Basic Baked SalmonPan Seared SalmonGrilled SalmonSalmon PattiesParmesan Crusted Salmon
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
