Weight Watchers Healthy Parchment Salmon Recipe. Salmon is a delicious, and versatile fish that can be cooked in many different ways.
In this recipe, the salmon is baked in parchment paper for a quick and easy meal. The parchment wrap traps all the natural juices of the fish so it doesn’t dry out, resulting in a moist and tender piece of salmon.
This quick and easy dinner is ready in just 35 minutes. You will only need 6 ingredients, salmon fillet, salt, black pepper, basil leaves, olive oil flavored cooking spray, and fresh lemon.
You can customize this recipe by using any type of fresh herbs you like. Serve with some simple roasted vegetables or brown rice for a complete meal.
This main dish is low carb Keto, Gluten free, low sodium, and only has 175 calories.
Weight Watchers Points
0 Points (2022/2024 Plan)
MyWW Points: 2 Blue Plan and 3 Green Plan
2 WW Freestyle Points and 3 Smart Point
Why You’ll Love This Weight Watchers Healthy Parchment Salmon
Quick and Easy to Prepare
This Weight Watchers Healthy Parchment Salmon is a breeze to make. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in just over 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.
Packed with Flavor
The combination of fresh basil and lemon slices infuses the salmon with a vibrant, fresh flavor. The parchment paper helps lock in these flavors, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last. The slits in the salmon allow the basil to penetrate the fish, adding an extra layer of taste.
Healthy and Nutritious
This recipe is ideal for those following the Weight Watchers plan or anyone looking for a healthy meal option. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. The use of olive oil cooking spray keeps the fat content low while still providing a bit of healthy fat.
Versatile and Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. If you’re not a fan of basil, try substituting it with dill or parsley. You can also add other vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes to the parchment for a complete meal in one package.
Minimal Clean-Up
Cooking the salmon in parchment paper means there’s hardly any mess to clean up. The parchment paper traps all the juices and flavors, so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing a baking dish afterward. It’s a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle.
Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time
The parchment paper method ensures the salmon is cooked evenly and stays moist. By baking at 400° F, the fish becomes tender and flaky, with an instant-read thermometer ensuring it reaches the perfect internal temperature. This method is foolproof, giving you perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Salmon
Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its richer taste and firmer flesh. If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen salmon fillets are a good alternative, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Using Parchment Paper Correctly
Ensure the parchment paper is large enough to completely wrap and seal the salmon. This will keep all the juices and flavors inside, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish. Fold the edges tightly to create a secure packet that won’t open during cooking.
Enhancing the Flavor
Feel free to add more herbs or spices to suit your taste. Dill, thyme, or parsley are great alternatives to basil. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.
Checking for Doneness
To ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F. Alternatively, check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salmon directly in the parchment paper for a rustic presentation. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete, healthy meal. You can also add a drizzle of extra lemon juice or a dash of olive oil for extra flavor.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy it cold over a salad for a quick and nutritious meal.
Related Recipes
Weight Watchers Simple Salmon
Weight Watchers Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
Weight Watchers Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
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Featured Ingredients
Salmon Fillets
Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritional powerhouse.
Fresh Basil Leaves
Basil is a popular herb that is used in many dishes. It has a strong flavor and can be used fresh or dried. Basil can be added to soup, pasta, or salad. It is also a common ingredient in pesto sauce. Basil is a good source of Vitamin A and potassium.
What to serve with
Weight Watchers Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
This quick and easy side dish is ready in just 25 minutes.
Weight Watchers Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole
This easy recipe is made with onions, butter, flour, garlic salt, black pepper, cream cheese, milk, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Weight Watchers Roasted Green Beans
A quick and easy and healthy side dish recipe with fresh green beans, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Weight Watchers Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A healthy, 4 ingredient side dish recipe.
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Weight Watchers Healthy Parchment Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz salmon fillet
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup basil leaves chopped
- olive oil cooking spray
- 1 lemon thin sliced
Instructions
- Move the oven rack to the bottom position.
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Layout a piece of parchment paper.
- Place salmon on parchment paper, in the center, with the skin side facing down.
- Season salmon with salt and black pepper.
- Using a sharp knife, cut 2 slits – 3 inches long into the salmon.
- Push chopped basil in the slits.
- Spray the salmon with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Fold the ends of the parchment over the salmon in multiple layers to completely cover and seal in the salmon.
- Place parchment covered salmon on baking sheet.
- In preheated oven, on the lowered rack, bake approximately 20 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque, pink, it will flake easily with a fork, and an instant-read thermometer reads a minimum of 145° F.
To Serve
- Carefully cut open the parchment paper (steam will release, so be careful not to burn your hands).
- Remove lemon slices and discard.
Notes
Nutrition
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