Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil Recipe
If you’re looking for a practically foolproof way to serve up salmon with a ton of flavor and hardly any cleanup, Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil is the answer to your dinner dreams. Tender salmon fillets are brushed with a sweet, zesty honey mustard glaze, wrapped up in foil, and baked until impossibly moist — creating a weeknight meal that feels a bit special but takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining, this dish shines thanks to its bold, craveable balance of flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple: each ingredient has a job to do, whether it’s building the base of the savory sauce, adding brightness, or simply making the salmon shine. Even better, there’s nothing fussy here — just wholesome staples working together for maximum payoff.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets (6 ounces each) — skinless or with skin, your choice — for the best texture and flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Brings sharpness that balances the honey’s sweetness and makes the glaze extra creamy.
- Honey: Adds luscious sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Whole grain mustard: Infuses the sauce with a punch of flavor and pops of texture from the seeds.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for savory depth you won’t want to skip.
- Olive oil: Gives the sauce richness, keeps the fish moist, and melds all the flavors together.
- Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of brightness that cuts the richness of the salmon and sauce.
- Salt: Highlights the natural flavors of both the fish and the glaze.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle bite and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish): Brightens up the plate and pairs beautifully with salmon.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): For extra zest and a final flourish of freshness.
How to Make Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your salmon is ready to go in. This temperature is the sweet spot for gently cooking the salmon to juicy perfection without drying it out.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The sauce should come together easily — zippy, slightly sweet, and silky smooth. Give it a quick taste and adjust if you prefer your sauce a little milder or sweeter.
Step 3: Prep the Salmon Packets
Lay out four sheets of foil, each large enough to fully wrap a salmon fillet. Place one fillet on each piece of foil. This not only keeps the salmon tender but also makes cleanup a total breeze. If your salmon has skin, place it skin-side down for the best results.
Step 4: Glaze the Salmon
Spoon the honey mustard sauce generously over the tops of each salmon fillet, making sure they’re well coated. The sauce will drip into the foil as it cooks, creating an incredible steam that infuses the fish with all that beautiful flavor.
Step 5: Seal and Bake
Fold the foil over the salmon fillets and crimp the edges shut to make tight packets. Arrange these on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The foil locks in moisture, so your salmon comes out flaky and tender every time. Thicker fillets will need a little extra time; thinner pieces will cook more quickly.
Step 6: Broil for Color (Optional)
Carefully open the foil packets — watch out for hot steam! If you love a bit of caramelization on top, switch your oven to broil and pop the fillets under the heat for 2 or 3 minutes. This step adds gorgeous color and a hint of crispiness to the glaze.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill over each fillet and serve with fresh lemon wedges. That final pop of green and a squeeze of lemon really brighten every bite, making your Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil look and taste even more irresistible.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil

Garnishes
Finish your salmon with a shower of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill for color and a little fresh herb aroma. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a touch more brightness to their taste. If you feel adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a mild nuttiness and a little visual flair.
Side Dishes
This salmon is deliciously versatile. Pair it with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or toss together a crisp green salad for a meal that feels upscale yet effortless. For a heartier dinner, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlicky sautéed spinach.
Creative Ways to Present
For stress-free entertaining, serve each fillet right in its foil packet with a sprig of fresh herbs tucked on top — neat, tidy, and almost zero cleanup! If you want to go the extra mile, carefully plate the salmon fillets over a bed of vibrant greens or rainbow quinoa, drizzle with the extra sauce from the packets, and garnish with lemon twists for a show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil, let the fillets cool, then transfer them (with any juices) into an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days, making for a nourishing lunch or easy salad topper later in the week.
Freezing
Homemade salmon actually freezes quite well! Wrap the completely cooled fillets tightly in foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap and place them in a sealed bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. To preserve flavor, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover salmon gently in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil to keep the moisture in. About 10 to 12 minutes should bring it back to temperature without overcooking. Alternatively, enjoy cold or at room temperature—Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil is fantastic flaked over salads or grain bowls.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon fillets completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even baking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture diluting your delicious sauce.
What if I don’t have whole grain mustard?
No problem at all. You can simply increase the Dijon to 3 tablespoons, or substitute stone-ground mustard if that’s what you have. The important thing is keeping that bold mustard backbone in the sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk together the honey mustard sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before using. This makes weeknight meals even faster!
Is there a way to make this recipe milder for kids?
Absolutely. Use a little less Dijon and a bit more honey for a sweeter, gentler flavor profile that young or sensitive palates will love. Salmon is naturally mild and tender, so it’s often a hit with little ones!
Can Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil be grilled instead of baked?
It sure can! Place the assembled foil packets on a medium-hot grill and cook for about 13 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. Foil keeps the mess contained and helps cook the salmon evenly while soaking up that signature smoky essence.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil is one I reach for again and again because it’s so reliable, vibrant, and downright delicious. If you’ve never tried salmon in foil before, this dish is sure to become a go-to. Treat yourself to a flavorful, stress-free meal and let the oven (or grill!) do all the work — you’ll be glad you did.
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Honey Mustard Salmon In Foil Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil recipe is a delightful way to enjoy flavorful and moist salmon with a tangy-sweet twist. The salmon is coated in a homemade honey mustard sauce, then baked to perfection in a foil packet. Easy to make and even easier to clean up, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the packets: Place each salmon fillet on a separate sheet of foil large enough to wrap around it completely. Spoon the honey mustard sauce evenly over the top of each piece. Fold the foil over the salmon and seal the edges to form a packet.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Broil: Carefully open the foil packets and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes to slightly caramelize the top, if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a green salad.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For a milder mustard flavor, reduce the Dijon and add more honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg