This Pioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon Recipe is a flaky and moist recipe, which is made with salmon filets and sweet paprika. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 25 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon Recipe Ingredients
- 3–4 medium-sized salmon filets
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), optional garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon
- Prepare the salmon: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon filets on the paper, skin-side down. Brush the tops of the salmon lightly with olive oil.
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the filets.
- Place in a cold oven: Place the baking sheet with the seasoned salmon into a completely cold oven. Do not preheat it.
- Set temperature and time: Close the oven door, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C), and set a timer for 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness and serve: After 20 minutes, check the salmon. It is done when it flakes easily with a fork. For the most accurate result, the internal temperature in the thickest part should be around 145°F (63°C). Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of herbs, if desired.

Recipe Tips
- How do I ensure the salmon cooks evenly? The key is to choose salmon fillets that are a similar, even thickness. This helps all the pieces cook at the same rate and finish at the same time.
- Why start the salmon in a cold oven? This is the secret to this foolproof method. Placing the salmon in a cold oven and letting it heat up gradually cooks the fish more gently and evenly. This technique helps prevent the outside from overcooking before the inside is done, resulting in a perfectly moist and flaky texture.
- How do I keep my salmon from being dry? Don’t overcook it. The 20-minute timer is a great guideline, but the most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon is to use a food thermometer. Pull the salmon from the oven as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- What’s the purpose of the olive oil? Brushing the salmon with olive oil before baking helps to lock in moisture, adds a little bit of rich flavor, and helps the seasonings adhere to the fish.
What To Serve With Cold Oven Salmon
This simple, elegant salmon is a versatile main course. It pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans
- A simple rice pilaf or quinoa
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted new potatoes
How To Store Cold Oven Salmon
Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Leftover salmon is also delicious served cold, flaked over a salad.
Cold Oven Salmon Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 213 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I really put the fish in a completely cold oven?
Can I use a different kind of fish for this method?
Can I add other seasonings?
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Salmon Cakes Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Rum Cake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cold Oven Salmon Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes20
minutes213
kcalA foolproof method for perfectly moist and flaky salmon, seasoned simply and cooked by starting it in a cold oven.
Ingredients
3-4 medium-sized salmon filets
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper
Optional: Lemon wedges, fresh dill or parsley
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon filets on top.
- Brush the salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the baking sheet into a cold oven.
- Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and set a timer for 20 minutes.
- Check for doneness; the salmon should flake easily and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Starting the salmon in a cold oven is the key to this recipe’s success.
- Use salmon fillets of a similar thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- A food thermometer is the most reliable way to check for perfect doneness.
- This method results in incredibly moist and tender salmon every time.
