This Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon recipe offers a delicious and healthy solution for your weeknight dinner recipes. You can create a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy evenings. This dish is designed for simplicity without sacrificing taste, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Salmon Fillets: Opt for skin-on or skinless. Cod or halibut can be substituted for a different white fish option.
- Lemons: Fresh lemons are essential for bright flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, or thyme work wonderfully. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the quantity.
- Vegetables: Broccoli florets and asparagus spears are recommended. Bell peppers or zucchini are great alternatives.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced, plus 1 lemon for juice
Herb & Oil Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Tools needed: Large sheet pan, small bowl, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup, a smart move for any weeknight dinner recipes. This step ensures your food cooks evenly and prevents sticking.
2. Make the Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This flavorful mixture will coat your salmon and vegetables.
3. Arrange the Vegetables
Spread the broccoli florets and asparagus spears in a single layer on one side of your prepared sheet pan. Drizzle half of the herb mixture over the vegetables and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated. This prepares your side dish perfectly.
4. Place the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Arrange the salmon fillets on the other side of the sheet pan, leaving some space between them. Drizzle the remaining herb mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring each one is coated.
5. Add the Lemon Slices
Place a few lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon over the entire sheet pan. This adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the herbs and fish, elevating your weeknight dinner recipes.
6. Bake Until Cooked
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The vegetables should be tender-crisp. Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon.
Variation Ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a little heat.
- Different Veggies: Try adding sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the sheet pan.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh rosemary or chives for different flavor profiles.
- Citrus Twist: Use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can dry out easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you cook this with frozen salmon? Yes, thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing.
- What side dishes pair well with this? A simple quinoa, brown rice, or a light green salad would be excellent choices for this weeknight dinner recipe.
- How do you know when salmon is cooked? Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Can you prepare this ahead of time? You can chop the vegetables and mix the herb dressing ahead of time. Assemble on the sheet pan just before baking.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- What if you don’t have parchment paper? You can lightly grease the sheet pan with olive oil, though cleanup might be more involved.