– **Title**: Easy Healthy Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the center of the sheet pan. Arrange the asparagus and cherry tomatoes around the salmon.
5. Drizzle the olive oil mixture evenly over the salmon and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy dinner!
This simple one-pan meal is packed with nutrients and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find salmon, swap it with trout or even chicken if you prefer. Both will cook well and absorb the flavors nicely.
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect for roasting, but you can use regular potatoes, just chunk them smaller. Sweet potatoes also work well for a different taste.
Asparagus: If asparagus isn’t in season or available, try green beans or broccoli. Both add a nice crunch and work beautifully with this dish.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for flavor, but if you prefer a different oil, avocado oil is a great substitute since it can withstand high heat.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder will add a nice kick instead.
How Do I Roast Everything Evenly Without Overcooking?
Getting everything cooked just right can be tricky. Roasting the potatoes first ensures they have enough time to become crispy. Here’s a simple guide:
- Start by cutting the baby potatoes in halves for faster cooking.
- Toss them with oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper before baking. This helps with flavor.
- Roast potatoes alone for 15 minutes first—this gives them a head start.
- After adding salmon and asparagus, monitor closely for doneness—salmon will be flaky, and asparagus should be tender but still vibrant.
Personal tip: Always check salmon a minute or two early; it cooks quicker than you expect!
Easy Healthy Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sheet pan dinner will take about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your meal in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—let’s get that oven heated! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help everything cook nicely and get a golden color.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning. We want them to be flavorful!
3. Roast the Potatoes:
Spread those seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Pop the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 15 minutes. This will give them a nice head start!
4. Prepare the Asparagus:
While the potatoes are roasting, let’s get the asparagus ready. In a separate bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will make them yummy and tasty!
5. Add Salmon and Asparagus:
After 15 minutes, carefully take the sheet pan out of the oven. Push the potatoes to one side to make room. Place the salmon fillets on the other side of the pan. Squeeze half of the lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
6. Roast Everything Together:
Now it’s time to add the asparagus! Place it next to the salmon fillets on the sheet pan. Return the pan to the oven and roast everything for another 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork, and the asparagus should be tender.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once everything is nicely cooked, take the pan out of the oven. Drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the salmon and the veggies to add a fresh zing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with a few lemon slices on the side, and there you have it! A healthy and delicious sheet pan salmon dinner ready to enjoy. Bon appétit!
Can I Substitute the Salmon with Another Fish?
Absolutely! You can swap the salmon with any firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork.
What Can I Use Instead of Baby Potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes on hand, feel free to use regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces for quicker cooking. Alternatively, sweet potatoes or other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips work well too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or over low heat in a skillet to keep the salmon from drying out. Adding a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor when reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables to the sheet pan. Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make great additions. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking times accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly!
