I made this Slow Roasted Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde Recipe on a quiet Sunday evening, and I honestly didn’t expect it to steal the show the way it did. The salmon came out buttery and tender, almost melting under my fork.

What really surprised me was how the bright, citrusy salsa verde completely transformed the dish. It felt elegant but was secretly so easy to pull together. Now it’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something impressive without the stress.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vibrant, slow-roasted salmon recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture.

1½ to 2 pounds center-cut salmon fillet, skin-on – Choose high-quality, fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. A thick, even fillet ensures gentle, uniform cooking.
1½ teaspoons kosher salt – Enhances the natural richness of the salmon. Season evenly for balanced flavor.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth. Freshly cracked pepper works best.
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided – Keeps the salmon moist while roasting and forms the base of the salsa verde. Use good-quality olive oil for a clean taste.
1 small shallot, finely minced – Provides delicate sweetness and sharpness without overpowering the fish.
1 garlic clove, finely grated – Grating releases more flavor than chopping. Use fresh garlic for brightness.
1 teaspoon lemon zest – Adds intense citrus aroma without extra acidity. Zest before juicing.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Brings freshness and balances the richness of the salmon.
1 tablespoon orange zest – Adds subtle sweetness and floral citrus notes.
2 tablespoons orange juice – Softens the acidity of lemon and brightens the salsa.
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped – Adds freshness and color. Chop just before using for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped – Gives the salsa a cooling, fragrant twist.
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped – Adds mild onion flavor without sharpness.
1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped – Delivers briny, salty pops that contrast beautifully with citrus.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional, but adds gentle heat to balance sweetness.

Note: These ingredients serve approximately 4 people generously.

Variations

This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.

For a dairy-free option, you’re already covered—this dish contains no dairy. If you want extra richness, I sometimes add sliced avocado on the side.
To make it sugar-free, simply ensure your citrus is fresh and skip any sweet add-ins. The natural sweetness of orange is enough.
For flavor enhancements, try adding finely chopped basil or dill to the salsa verde. A spoonful of Dijon mustard can also deepen the flavor. If you love bold heat, a finely minced fresh chili works beautifully.
You can even swap the salmon for Arctic char or steelhead trout for a slightly different texture and taste.
If you enjoy hearty meal ideas with bold flavors, you might also like trying this Steak Queso Rice Recipe for a rich and satisfying dish.
For a comforting breakfast-style meal inspiration, explore this Breakfast Skillet Recipe that brings together simple ingredients in one pan.

Cooking Time

This recipe is surprisingly quick despite the slow roasting technique.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40–45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Baking sheet – Provides even surface for roasting the salmon.
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Microplane or zester – Perfect for finely zesting citrus and garlic.
Sharp knife – Essential for chopping herbs and slicing salmon cleanly.
Small mixing bowl – Used to combine the citrus salsa verde.
Fish spatula – Helps lift the delicate salmon without breaking it.

How to Make Slow Roasted Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde?

This method focuses on gentle heat to create ultra-tender salmon. The citrus salsa verde adds a fresh, vibrant finish that makes the dish shine.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 275°F. I like to pat the salmon dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks properly, then place it skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper, making sure every inch is coated for balanced flavor.

Step 2: Slow Roast Gently

Place the salmon in the oven and let it roast slowly for about 25 to 30 minutes. The low temperature allows the fish to cook evenly and stay incredibly moist. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes gently with a fork and looks slightly translucent in the center.

Step 3: Prepare the Citrus Salsa Verde

While the salmon roasts, combine the shallot, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange zest, and orange juice in a bowl. Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, chives, and capers, then drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Mix until everything is well combined and finish with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 4: Rest and Assemble

Once the salmon is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Spoon the citrus salsa verde generously over the top just before serving. The warmth of the salmon slightly softens the herbs, releasing their fragrance beautifully.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it.

I always let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before roasting; it cooks more evenly that way.
I taste the salsa before serving and adjust salt or citrus as needed because balance is everything.
I prefer chopping herbs by hand instead of using a food processor; it keeps the texture fresh and vibrant.
I drizzle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top right before serving for a subtle crunch.
I sometimes add thin slices of fresh citrus on top for a stunning presentation.

How to Serve Slow Roasted Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde?

This dish looks beautiful served family-style on a large platter with the salsa spooned generously over the top. I like to garnish with extra chopped herbs and thin slices of lemon or orange for color.

It pairs wonderfully with roasted baby potatoes, fluffy couscous, or a light arugula salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside warm crusty bread to soak up the extra salsa verde.

If you’re hosting, you can pre-slice the salmon into large portions and arrange them slightly overlapping on a serving dish. It creates an elegant presentation that feels restaurant-worthy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: About 420 calories per serving
Protein: Approximately 34 grams
Carbohydrates: Around 6 grams
Fat: Roughly 30 grams

These values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salsa verde separate if possible to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked salmon tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing without the salsa, as fresh herbs don’t freeze well and can lose their vibrant flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the salmon in a low oven at 275°F until warmed through. I avoid microwaving because it can dry out the fish. Add fresh salsa verde after reheating for the best taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly simple.

It’s incredibly easy to prepare. The oven does most of the work, and the slow roasting method is very forgiving.
The flavor is bright and balanced. Rich salmon meets fresh citrus and herbs for a perfect contrast.
It’s healthy and nutritious. Packed with protein and heart-healthy fats, it fits into many balanced diets.
It’s versatile. You can serve it warm, room temperature, or chilled, making it perfect for entertaining.
It looks impressive. The vibrant green salsa with citrus flecks makes it visually stunning.

Slow Roasted Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde is a recipe I keep coming back to because it never disappoints. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this dish delivers elegance without effort. Once you try it, I have a feeling it will become a staple in your kitchen too.

Ash Tyrrell