Baked Salmon Cajun Lime (Print Version)

Tender baked salmon brightened by Cajun spices and lime for a vibrant main dish.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

03 - 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

04 - 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

06 - 2 limes (1 juiced, 1 sliced for garnish)

07 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

02 - Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels and arrange them skin-side down on the prepared tray.

03 - Combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl; evenly brush or rub this mixture over the salmon fillets.

04 - Squeeze the juice of one lime evenly over the seasoned salmon fillets.

05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque at the center.

06 - Top with lime slices and chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

01 -

The whole thing comes together in under 25 minutes, so it feels indulgent without the stress.
Cajun seasoning gives you that bold, warming spice without needing a dozen jars of individual spices.
Lime cuts through the richness of the salmon in a way that makes every bite feel bright and balanced.

02 -

Patting the salmon dry is non-negotiable; otherwise the spices slide around and don't adhere properly, and you miss out on that crucial flavor layer.
Don't skip the lime juice before baking—it keeps the fish moist and adds acidity that makes the whole dish taste more complex than it actually is.

03 -

If you want even more zest, finely grate some lime zest into the oil and seasoning mixture before you apply it, which gives you bright citrus throughout rather than just at the end.
A pastry brush makes applying the spice mixture feel effortless and ensures even coverage, but your fingers work just fine too.