Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place the fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Glaze:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and smoked paprika until smooth.
Glaze the Salmon:
Use a basting brush to generously coat each salmon fillet with the apricot Dijon glaze. Reserve a little glaze for serving, if desired.
Bake the Salmon:
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you’d like a slightly caramelized top, switch to the broil setting for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and extra glaze on the side, if desired. Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.