When you’re hosting, the best recipes are the ones that allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests. This slow-roasted salmon from Isabelle Heikens, the creator behind the popular social media series Dinner at Isabelle’s, is exactly that kind of dish.

Roasted gently until tender and flaky, the salmon needs little more than olive oil, salt and pepper. A punchy caper chimichurri adds a bright, herbaceous finish, making it an elegant centrepiece that feels special without requiring hours of preparation. Better still, it can be made ahead and served chilled or enjoyed warm from the oven.

Heikens shared the recipe as part of an intimate dinner celebrating KitchenAid’s Juniper collection, where her signature approach to entertaining – beautiful food, thoughtful details and a relaxed atmosphere – was very much on display.

What to Serve With Slow-Roasted Salmon

Isabelle likes to serve her salmon with a punchy caper chimichurri, but it’s equally delicious with our Italian Salsa Verde With Tarragon and Capers. Made with fresh herbs, briny capers, anchovies and white-wine vinegar, this bright, tangy sauce is a lovely complement to the rich, tender salmon.

Easy Slow-Roasted Salmon

Isabelle Heikens

This easy, slow-roasted salmon is a dinner party favourite for good reason. Gently cooked until tender and flaky, it's served with a punchy caper chimichurri or salsa verde and can be prepared hours ahead.

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Ingredients

1 whole side of salmon ~3 pounds
3 tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
½ cup caper chimichurri for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Place salmon skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until the flesh is just opaque at the thickest part and separates into large, moist flakes when gently pressed with a fork. Begin checking after 17 minutes, particularly at the thinner end. A little white albumin on the surface is normal, but excessive amounts can indicate the salmon is overcooking.
Serve warm with caper chimichurri or Italian Salsa Verde, or refrigerate promptly and chill for a few hours before serving.

Notes

This is an excellent make-ahead main; I actually think it gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Keyword dinner party salmon, slow-roasted salmon

Recipe FAQs

Can you make slow-roasted salmon ahead of time?: Yes! This salmon is ideal for entertaining because it can be prepared several hours in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. It’s delicious chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it before serving.
What should you serve with slow-roasted salmon?: Try a caper chimichurri or ELLE Gourmet’s Italian Salsa Verde With Tarragon and Capers. Roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad make excellent accompaniments.