– **Title**: Easy Healthy Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
3. Spread the seasoned vegetables onto one side of the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.
4. Place the salmon fillets on the other side of the sheet pan. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place lemon slices on top of each fillet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are fantastic, but you can use frozen ones too. Just make sure they’re completely thawed before cooking. If you’re not a fan of salmon, try another fish like trout or cod; they work well too!
Baby Potatoes: I like using baby potatoes for their creaminess, but any small potatoes or even regular ones cut into chunks are perfect. Sweet potatoes can also bring a nice twist; just adjust cooking times slightly.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus shines in this dish. If you can’t find it, feel free to swap in green beans or zucchini. They add color and texture too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is my go-to, but melted butter or avocado oil can also work. They’ll bring different flavors but will keep everything nice and moist.
Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika give a rich flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or cumin can replace it for a different but lovely taste experience.
How Do I Get Perfectly Roasted Vegetables and Salmon?
Achieving perfectly roasted salmon and veggies is all about timing and temperature. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot oven (400°F/200°C) to give your vegetables a nice roast while cooking the salmon.
- Roast the potatoes first, as they take longer. After 15 minutes, add the asparagus and salmon in the same pan.
- Check salmon at around 10 minutes – it should flake easily with a fork. The veggies should be tender and slightly golden.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave space between the ingredients to allow everything to roast properly.
If you’re using thicker salmon fillets, you might need an extra minute or two for them to cook through.
Easy Healthy Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dinner:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sheet pan salmon dinner takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything together in the oven. It’s a quick and healthy meal that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot for perfect roasting!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Take a large sheet pan and toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them well! Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the sheet pan so they roast evenly.
3. Roast the Potatoes:
Now, place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 15 minutes. This will give them a head start on becoming golden and tender.
4. Season the Salmon and Asparagus:
While the potatoes are roasting, prepare your salmon fillets and asparagus. In a small bowl, drizzle the salmon with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set them aside. Trim the asparagus as needed if you haven’t done so already.
5. Add Salmon and Asparagus to the Pan:
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side to make room. On the other side, add the asparagus. Place the seasoned salmon fillets right in the center of the pan.
6. Add Lemon and Finish Roasting:
For added flavor, lay lemon slices on top of the salmon and sprinkle them around the vegetables. This will infuse everything with a fresh lemony taste!
7. Complete the Roasting:
Return the sheet pan back to the oven and roast everything for an additional 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the potatoes are golden and tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove the pan from the oven. Garnish your delicious salmon dinner with some chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately, and enjoy your healthy and tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place the salmon in the fridge overnight or seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry before seasoning.
What Can I Substitute for Asparagus?
If you don’t have asparagus on hand, you can substitute it with other vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Just ensure that the vegetables you choose have similar cooking times for optimal results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, a microwave works great, or you can warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the salmon’s texture.
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings—Italian herbs, lemon pepper, or even some chili flakes can add a nice twist. Additionally, you can include other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, adjusting the roasting time as needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.
