Main Dishes

Oven Baked Salmon in Foil Packets

This healthy and delicious oven baked salmon in foil packets recipe is truly one of my family’s favorite ways to prepare salmon. It is a very quick and easy recipe that I think will become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. It is made with only three main ingredients that are cooked in the foil packets and baked in the oven and ready in less than 30 minutes.

This salmon in foil is so light and healthy yet very flavorful and delicious. There are no pots and pans to clean and you will feel great making this healthy and nutritious meal for your family.

salmon baked in foil in the oven

I love making this packet as is, but you can also use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, like asparagus, mushrooms, green beans, and spinach.

The foil packet will basically help steam the contents and the result is juicy, flaky, and delicious perfectly cooked fish!

I try to make fish for dinner at least once a week. Luckily, everyone in our family loves fish. And salmon is one of our favorites. It is a great all-around fish. It is high in omega 3’s and great for your heart. Salmon is also a great source of protein, vitamins B12 and D, and iron.

I have made this baked in foil salmon so many times and it never fails. You will need just a handful of ingredients for this recipe that you most likely always have on hand. It takes minutes to put together, and there are no dishes to clean up! Cooking the fish in foil keeps it super-moist. It is a complete dinner made fast!

Ingredients

salmon fillets
tomato on the vine
onion

  • Salmon fillets – your choice, farmed or wild. Salmon is the perfect fish for this recipe as it is able to keep its shape and density and not fall apart as it cooks in the foil packets.
  • Tomatoes- any tomato kind will do. I prefer using ripe vine tomatoes. You could also use cherry tomatoes.
  • Onion – I use yellow onion for this recipe but you could also use red onion, white onion, or shallots.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – try and use a good extra virgin olive oil. As it steams in the foil packets, the salmon will absorb all the richness of the olive oil and the veggies.
  • Spices – Keep it simple. The steaming process and a good olive oil and veggies make the fish so flavorful that it really does not need a lot of spices. I use salt, pepper, and parsley or oregano.

For the packets, you can of course use any brand of aluminum foil. I love using these pre-cut foil sheets. It makes it so much easier and faster to make this recipe. I always have them on hand.

Why you will love making this oven-baked salmon recipe

  • Very quick and easy – this meal cooks in less than 30 minutes. It is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight but unique and delicious enough to also be served for dinner on a Saturday night with friends over for dinner with a glass of wine!
  • No mess – no pots and pans to clean up and wash. The fish and vegetables cook in the foil packets in the oven.
  • It fits a wide variety of dietary needs – it is naturally Paleo, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Whole30 compliant, and dairy-free.
  • Versatile – this recipe is so versatile. Any fish, or even shrimp can be used as well as any veggies you have in your fridge, like asparagus, mushrooms, green beans, and spinach.
  • Unique – I love making this recipe when we are hosting friends and family over for dinner. It is unique and interesting, and everyone loves it and talks about it. The fish comes out delicious and moist every time I make it, so it is a tried and trusted recipe for me and it will be for you as well.

How to make salmon baked in foil with vegetables

  • Prepare the fish – if you have a whole piece of salmon, cut it into 3-to-4-inch-wide fillets. If you have precut fillets, you are good to go. Season with salt and pepper.
salmon fillets 
salmon recipes

  • Veggie mixture – dice the onion and tomatoes in a medium dice. Mix the veggies with the olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and parsley and set aside.
salmon, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil

  • Cut your foil packets, you need them to be approx. 14in by 10in. If you have the precut ones, then you are good to go.
  • Assemble the packets – place a piece of salmon fillet in the middle of the foil sheet and spoon over the veggie mixture. Close the packets by folding the top lengthwise and then fold in the sides making sure the packet is fully closed and no liquid is coming out. Bake for 30 minutes.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with a lettuce salad, or other roasted vegetables, or try my potato salad. I promise you will love it!!
salmon in foil packets baked in the oven

Other recipes I think you will love!

Pan Seared Salmon with Kale, Tomatoes, and Pearled Couscous

Italian Sausage Ravioli Alfredo with Spinach

Easy Chicken Parmesan (30-minute meal)

Asian Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe


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Oven-baked salmon in foil packets

A quick, easy, and healthy salmon with vine-ripe tomatoes and onion steamed and baked to perfection in foil packets. It is so delicious and the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, European, Mediterranean
Keyword: baked salmon, Healthy salmon recipe, oven baked salmon, Salmon baked in foil, Salmon in foil packets
Yield: 4

Materials

  • 4 5 ounces each salmon fillets
  • 3 vine ripe tomatoes diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper per taste
  • 2 teaspoon parsley or oregano
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • If you are using pre-cut foil, get 4 sheets and place them on your working surface next to each other. If using a foil roll, cut 4 same-length foil sheets.
  • Place a salmon fillet on top of a sheet of foil.
  • Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, the diced onion, the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, and the parsley/oregano. You can add the lemon juice now if you want.
  • Spoon the tomato mixture over the salmon.
  • Fold the sides of the foil over the fish and tomato mixture, covering completely. Seal the packet close.
  • Place the foil packet on a heavy large baking sheet. Repeat until all of the salmon have been individually wrapped in foil and placed on the baking sheet.
  • Bake until the salmon is just cooked through, about 25 minutes. Open the packets carefully (they will be very hot) and place them under your broiler for another 5-10 minutes. Check on them often to ensure nothing burns.
  • Using a spatula, transfer the foil packets to plates and serve.
  • Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on them and enjoy!