Like a blank canvas waiting to be adorned with vibrant colors, baked salmon is a versatile dish that begs for creative toppings.
In this article, I will share 15 mouthwatering toppings that will elevate your salmon to new heights of flavor. From zesty lemon dill butter to tangy teriyaki glaze, each topping is designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these must-try toppings for baked salmon.

Lemon Dill Butter
You’ll love the tangy flavor of the Lemon Dill Butter on your baked salmon. It adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich taste of the fish perfectly.
To make this delicious topping, I start by softening unsalted butter and mixing it with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This gives the butter a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the salmon.
I then add chopped dill, which adds a subtle herbaceous note to the butter. The combination of the tangy lemon and aromatic dill creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
Simply spread the Lemon Dill Butter over the cooked salmon and let it melt into the fish, creating a luscious and flavorful dish.
Teriyaki Glaze
The teriyaki glaze adds a delicious sweetness to the baked salmon. It’s a flavor combination that never fails to impress. The tangy and slightly sweet teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the rich and tender salmon.
As the salmon bakes in the oven, the glaze caramelizes and creates a beautiful golden crust on the fish. With each bite, you get a burst of savory umami flavor followed by a hint of sweetness.
The teriyaki glaze also helps to keep the salmon moist and juicy, ensuring that every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Whether you’re a fan of Asian flavors or simply looking to switch up your usual salmon routine, the teriyaki glaze is a must-try topping for baked salmon.
Garlic Parmesan Crust
Adding a garlic Parmesan crust to your salmon creates a flavorful and crispy coating. It’s one of my favorite ways to elevate the taste of baked salmon.
To make the crust, I mix grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. I spread this mixture over the salmon fillets before baking them in the oven. The result is a golden brown crust that locks in the moisture of the fish while adding a burst of flavor.
The garlic adds a savory kick, while the Parmesan cheese brings a nutty and slightly salty taste. The combination of the crispy crust and the tender salmon is simply irresistible. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of this irresistible garlic Parmesan crust on your salmon!
Mango Salsa
For a refreshing and tropical twist, don’t forget to include a vibrant mango salsa with your salmon. This delicious topping adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the fish.
To make the salsa, I start by dicing fresh mangoes and combining them with chopped red onions, jalapenos for a hint of heat, and a squeeze of zesty lime juice. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors creates a harmonious balance that takes the dish to a whole new level.
The vibrant colors of the mango salsa also make for an eye-catching presentation, making your salmon dish even more enticing.
Pesto Sauce
To make a flavorful pesto sauce, all you need is fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
I love making pesto sauce at home because it adds a burst of flavor to so many dishes.
First, I gather a bunch of fresh basil leaves, about two cups worth.
Then, I toast some pine nuts until they are golden brown.
Next, I add the basil, pine nuts, a couple cloves of garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to a food processor.
I blend everything together until it becomes a smooth and vibrant green sauce.
It’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip for vegetables.
The possibilities are endless with pesto sauce!
Honey Mustard Glaze
Don’t forget to mix honey and mustard together to create a delicious glaze for your salmon. This simple combination adds a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the fish.
To make the glaze, I start by whisking together equal parts of honey and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. The sweetness of the honey balances out the tanginess of the mustard, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Once mixed, I generously brush the glaze over the salmon fillets before baking them in the oven. The result is a beautiful caramelized coating that adds both sweetness and a slight tang to each bite.
Trust me, this honey mustard glaze will take your salmon to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Balsamic Reduction
You can enhance the flavor of your salmon by drizzling a balsamic reduction over it. The tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar adds a delightful depth to the rich and buttery taste of the salmon.
To make the reduction, simply simmer balsamic vinegar on low heat until it thickens and reduces in volume. This process intensifies the flavors and creates a velvety texture that coats the salmon beautifully.
Once the reduction is ready, generously pour it over the cooked salmon, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. The result is a succulent dish that is both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.
Sesame Ginger Sauce
After trying the delicious balsamic reduction on my baked salmon, I couldn’t wait to experiment with another mouthwatering topping. That’s when I discovered the amazing sesame ginger sauce.
Let me tell you, it took my salmon to a whole new level of flavor! This sauce combines the nutty taste of sesame oil with the zing of ginger and a touch of sweetness. It’s incredibly easy to make too.
Just whisk together some soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Once the salmon is baked to perfection, drizzle this delectable sauce over it and prepare to be blown away.
The sesame ginger sauce adds a delightful Asian twist to the dish and will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Cajun Spice Rub
Let me tell you, this Cajun spice rub is going to take your grilled chicken to a whole new level of flavor!
The combination of smoky paprika, fiery cayenne pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and earthy oregano creates a bold and tantalizing taste experience.
Simply sprinkle this spice rub generously over your chicken before grilling, and watch as it transforms into a mouthwatering masterpiece. The smoky aroma wafts through the air, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation.
As the chicken cooks, the spices form a delicious crust that seals in the juices, resulting in moist and flavorful meat. Each bite is a burst of heat and savory goodness, leaving you craving for more.
So go ahead, give this Cajun spice rub a try, and elevate your grilled chicken game to new heights!
Cilantro Lime Marinade
If you’re looking to add a zesty and refreshing twist to your grilled chicken, try this cilantro lime marinade. It’s a simple and flavorful combination that will elevate your chicken to a whole new level.
To make the marinade, start by finely chopping a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. Then, squeeze the juice of two limes into a bowl and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Next, mince a clove of garlic and add it to the mixture along with some salt and pepper to taste.
Mix everything together and pour it over your chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
When you’re ready to grill, you’ll be delighted by the tangy and fragrant result.
Maple Soy Glaze
To make the maple soy glaze, simply whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar until well combined.
I love this glaze because it adds a perfect balance of sweetness and umami to my baked salmon. It’s incredibly easy to make and takes just a few minutes.
The maple syrup gives it a rich and caramelized flavor, while the soy sauce adds a savory kick. The splash of rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the glaze.
Once the glaze is whisked together, I generously brush it over my salmon fillets before baking them in the oven. The result is a beautifully glazed and flavorful salmon that is absolutely delicious.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
You can add a little kick to your dish by mixing together some Sriracha and mayo to create a flavorful and spicy sauce. I love using this Spicy Sriracha Mayo as a topping for baked salmon. It adds a burst of heat and tanginess that takes the dish to a whole new level.
To make this sauce, simply combine equal parts Sriracha and mayo in a bowl and mix until well combined. Adjust the ratio according to your preference for spiciness. Once the sauce is ready, drizzle it over the baked salmon right before serving.
The creamy texture of the mayo complements the succulent salmon perfectly, while the Sriracha brings a fiery punch. Give it a try and elevate your baked salmon game!
Mediterranean Herb Crust
For a flavorful twist, try adding a Mediterranean herb crust to your dish.
I absolutely love this combination of herbs and spices to elevate the taste of my baked salmon.
To make the crust, I mix together fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano with a generous amount of minced garlic and some breadcrumbs for added texture.
The aroma that fills the kitchen as the crust bakes is simply heavenly.
Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, the herb crust forms a golden brown crust on top, adding a burst of flavor with every bite.
The Mediterranean herbs infuse the fish with their fragrant and earthy notes, creating a truly delightful dining experience.
Trust me, this herb crust will take your salmon dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Chipotle Lime Butter
The chipotle lime butter adds a tangy and smoky flavor to the dish, enhancing the taste of the salmon. I absolutely love this topping because it adds a unique twist to the classic baked salmon.
The combination of the fiery chipotle peppers and the zesty lime creates a burst of flavors that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly. As the butter melts over the fish, it creates a luscious glaze that not only adds flavor but also keeps the salmon moist and tender.
The smoky notes from the chipotle peppers give the dish a delicious depth, while the tanginess from the lime adds a refreshing element. Overall, the chipotle lime butter is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their baked salmon game.
Orange Ginger Glaze
Adding an orange ginger glaze to the salmon creates a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of the fish. I love experimenting with different flavors to enhance the natural goodness of salmon, and this glaze is a winner.
The combination of the bright citrusy notes from the orange and the subtle spiciness of the ginger adds depth and complexity to the dish. The glaze also helps to keep the salmon moist and juicy while it bakes in the oven.
The aroma that fills the kitchen as the glaze caramelizes is simply irresistible. I highly recommend trying this orange ginger glaze on your next salmon dish for a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Conclusion
Well, after exploring these 15 mouth-watering toppings for baked salmon, I must say, I’m absolutely thrilled to try them all.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to experience the zesty tang of Lemon Dill Butter or the fiery kick of Spicy Sriracha Mayo?
And let’s not forget the irony of a Mediterranean Herb Crust or the unexpected combination of Chipotle Lime Butter.
With these toppings, salmon will never be boring again. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Happy cooking, folks!
Ben, a culinary enthusiast and owner of RelishedRecipes.com, shares his passion for food and cooking through delectable recipes and valuable tips. Ben delights in exploring international cuisines and inspiring home cooks on their culinary journeys.