Slow-Roasted Salmon with Citrus & Herbed Lentils

Slow-Roasted Salmon with Citrus & Herbed Lentils

Mia

This elegant yet effortless Mediterranean-inspired dish showcases the gentle art of slow-roasting salmon at a low temperature, resulting in impossibly tender, buttery fish that practically melts on your tongue. The technique, borrowed from Scandinavian and French culinary traditions, ensures the salmon stays moist and silky while developing a delicate exterior that contrasts beautifully with the hearty lentils beneath.

The foundation of this dish is a vibrant bed of French green lentils (lentilles du Puy) cooked with aromatic vegetables and finished with bright citrus zest, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice. These earthy legumes are a Mediterranean Diet staple, providing plant-based protein and fiber while absorbing the flavors of garlic, shallots, and herbs. The combination of parsley and dill adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly.

What makes this recipe truly special is its hands-off approach—once the lentils are simmering and the salmon is in the oven, you're free to prepare a simple salad or set the table. The low-and-slow roasting method at 275°F ensures foolproof results every time, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates, this dish embodies the heart-healthy principles of Mediterranean eating.

Serve this stunning plate with a drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil and perhaps a wedge of lemon on the side. The marriage of silky salmon and zesty lentils creates a satisfying meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious, proving that healthy eating never has to be complicated or bland.

Nutrition

1 hour
None servings
485 calories
Fat 21.00g
Carbs 32.00g
Protein 42.00g

Ingredients

1 cupFrench green lentils, rinsed and drained
2.5 cupslow-sodium vegetable broth
1 mediumshallot, finely diced
3 clovesgarlic cloves, minced
1 leafbay leaf
4 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
1 largelemon, zested and juiced
1 mediumorange, zested
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
2 tbspfresh dill, chopped
4 filletssalmon fillets, 6 oz each, skin-on, patted dry
1 tspkosher salt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
4 wedgeslemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
wooden spoon or spatula
medium saucepan with lid
paper towels
zester or microplane
measuring cups and spoons
citrus juicer
instant-read thermometer
knife and cutting board

16:8 Diet

This balanced, nutrient-dense meal is perfect for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy from protein-rich salmon, complex carbohydrates and fiber from lentils, and healthy fats from olive oil to promote satiety. The whole food ingredients help practitioners meet nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe exemplifies the 80/20 principle with nutrient-dense whole foods comprising well over 80% of ingredients: salmon, lentils, fresh vegetables, herbs, and citrus provide anti-inflammatory omega-3s, fiber, vitamins, and minerals with minimal processing. The small amount of olive oil represents the flexible 20% while still being a healthy fat choice.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This anti-inflammatory powerhouse features omega-3 rich salmon, antioxidant-packed fresh herbs and citrus, and fiber-rich lentils, all prepared with anti-inflammatory olive oil and garlic. The recipe avoids processed foods, refined ingredients, and inflammatory fats while emphasizing whole foods that reduce inflammation.

Clean Eating

This clean eating recipe uses only whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state: fresh salmon, dried lentils, fresh vegetables, herbs, and citrus, with extra virgin olive oil as the only added fat. Every ingredient is recognizable and free from artificial additives, preservatives, or refined components.

DASH Diet

This DASH Diet-compliant recipe uses low-sodium vegetable broth, emphasizes heart-healthy fish rich in omega-3s, includes fiber and potassium-rich lentils, and relies on fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus for flavor instead of salt. The combination of lean protein, legumes, and vegetables with minimal sodium supports blood pressure management.

Diabetic Diet

This diabetic-friendly recipe features low-glycemic French lentils that provide complex carbohydrates with minimal blood sugar impact, paired with protein-rich salmon and healthy fats from olive oil to further stabilize glucose levels. The balanced macronutrients and absence of refined sugars or processed ingredients support steady blood sugar management.

Gluten-Free Diet

This naturally gluten-free recipe uses whole food ingredients including salmon, lentils, vegetables, and fresh herbs without any wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients. All components are naturally gluten-free, making it safe and delicious for those avoiding gluten.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy recipe features omega-3 rich salmon that reduces inflammation and supports cardiovascular health, fiber-packed lentils that help lower cholesterol, and extra virgin olive oil with heart-protective monounsaturated fats. The recipe is naturally low in saturated fat and sodium while providing lean protein and whole food ingredients.

High-Fiber Diet

This fiber-rich recipe provides approximately 8-10 grams of fiber per serving primarily from French green lentils, which are exceptionally high in dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and satiety. The combination of legumes and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that promotes healthy digestion.

High-Protein Diet

This high-protein recipe delivers approximately 40-45 grams of protein per serving from the combination of 6-ounce salmon fillets (35g) and French green lentils (9g per 1/4 cup cooked), making it ideal for those prioritizing protein intake. The lean fish and plant-based protein work together to support muscle maintenance and satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense meal is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality protein from salmon, complex carbohydrates and fiber from lentils, and healthy fats from olive oil to promote satiety and stable blood sugar throughout fasting periods. The whole, unprocessed ingredients maximize nutritional value during limited eating times.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating principles by offering a satisfying, balanced meal that honors both nutrition and pleasure, featuring flavorful combinations of tender salmon, zesty lentils, and fresh herbs without restrictive language or guilt-inducing messaging. The recipe emphasizes satisfaction and variety while providing nourishment.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This Mayo Clinic Diet-friendly recipe emphasizes nutrient-dense whole foods including omega-3 rich fish, fiber-packed lentils, abundant vegetables and herbs, and healthy fats from olive oil in appropriate portions. It avoids processed foods and refined ingredients while providing balanced nutrition for sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on omega-3 rich wild-caught salmon, heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, plant-based protein from lentils, and abundant fresh herbs and citrus. It avoids processed ingredients and red meat while showcasing the diet's signature ingredients like legumes, fish, and whole foods prepared simply with herbs and lemon.

MIND Diet

This MIND Diet-approved recipe features brain-healthy fatty fish rich in omega-3s, leafy herbs like parsley, fiber-rich beans (lentils), and olive oil as the primary fat, while avoiding butter, cheese, and fried foods. The combination of fish, legumes, and vegetables supports cognitive health and neuroprotection.

Mindful Eating

This recipe encourages mindful eating through its emphasis on varied textures (silky salmon, hearty lentils), vibrant colors (orange and lemon zest, fresh green herbs), and aromatic ingredients that engage multiple senses. The whole food ingredients and simple preparation invite conscious appreciation of flavors and satisfaction.

Nordic Diet

This recipe follows Nordic Diet principles with its emphasis on fatty fish (salmon), whole grains (lentils as a legume), root vegetables (shallots), and simple preparations that highlight natural flavors. The use of seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods like slow-roasting aligns with Nordic culinary traditions.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with Weight Watchers principles by featuring lean protein from salmon, plant-based protein and fiber from lentils, and abundant vegetables, all prepared with minimal added fats. The nutrient-dense whole food ingredients support weight management while remaining satisfying and flavorful.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 275°F.

1 min
2
4 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally, about 3-4 minutes.

3
1 min

Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.

4
5 min

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.

5
30 min

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the lentils until tender but still holding their shape, about 25-30 minutes. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed.

6

While the lentils cook, prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2 min
7

Brush the tops of the salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

1 min
8

Place the salmon in the preheated oven and roast until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 125°F for medium or 130°F for medium-well.

25 min
9

When the lentils are tender, remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

1 min
10

Stir the lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chopped parsley, and chopped dill into the warm lentils. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

2 min
11

Divide the herbed lentils among four serving plates, creating a bed for the salmon.

1 min
12

Carefully place one salmon fillet on top of each portion of lentils. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions