Zesty Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 lemons (1 sliced into rounds, 1 juiced) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup asparagus, trimmed - Fresh parsley, for garnish The ingredients for this dish are simple yet full of flavor. The salmon fillets form the base of the meal. Fresh lemons add a bright and zesty taste. I love using two lemons—one for juice and one for slices. The garlic gives a nice kick that pairs well with the herbs. For seasoning, I opt for dried oregano and thyme. They add depth without overwhelming the dish. Salt and pepper are key to enhancing all the flavors. For the veggies, I choose cherry tomatoes and asparagus. They roast well and balance the meal. Plus, their colors make the dish look beautiful. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of green. It makes each plate look fresh and inviting. These ingredients come together to create a meal that is both easy and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat makes the salmon cook just right. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined. This will be your tasty marinade. 1. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. This helps keep the fish moist. 2. Brush the salmon fillets with the lemon herb mixture. Make sure to cover them well. 3. Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon. They add flavor and look nice. 4. In another area on the baking sheet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and trimmed asparagus. Drizzle them with a bit more olive oil and season with salt and pepper, just like the salmon. 1. Bake everything in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. You want the salmon to flake easily with a fork. The veggies should be tender. 2. Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let it rest for a minute. This helps the flavors settle. 3. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving. It adds a burst of color and flavor. To ensure your salmon stays moist, I recommend brushing it with the lemon herb mixture. This adds flavor and keeps the fish juicy. Don't skip the lemon slices on top. They not only taste great but also add moisture as the salmon bakes. For herbs, I love using oregano and thyme. These herbs bring a nice earthy flavor to the dish. You can also try dill or rosemary if you want to mix it up. Just remember to chop them fresh for the best taste. Timing is key for perfectly roasted asparagus and tomatoes. Asparagus cooks fast, so add it to the baking sheet five minutes after the salmon goes in. The tomatoes can roast for the same time as the salmon, so place them all on the sheet from the start. If you don’t have asparagus or cherry tomatoes, try broccoli or bell peppers instead. Both roast well and add a lovely color to the dish. For side dishes, a light salad pairs nicely with the salmon. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. When plating your salmon, place the fillet in the center of the plate. Arrange the roasted veggies around it. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the flavor of your salmon. If you have access to fresh oregano and thyme, consider using them instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. Perfect Salmon Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness at the 10-minute mark. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli work beautifully in this dish and can be seasoned similarly. Rest Your Salmon: Letting the salmon rest for a minute after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister and more flavorful fillet. {{image_2}} You can swap salmon for other proteins. Chicken works well here. Tofu is a great choice for plant-based diets. When using chicken, cut it into thin pieces. This helps it cook quickly. For chicken, bake for 20-25 minutes. Tofu needs about 15-20 minutes to cook. You can change the flavors to keep it exciting. Try using fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Basil or dill adds fresh tastes. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cumin. For a citrus twist, use lime or orange juice instead of lemon. This gives a new flavor profile that surprises your taste buds. You don’t have to bake this dish; grilling is another option. Grilling gives a smoky flavor that’s delicious. If you need a faster method, try a skillet. Heat some oil in a pan. Cook the salmon and veggies for about 10 minutes. This method is quick and easy for busy nights. To keep your sheet pan lemon herb salmon fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the salmon and veggies in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. If you want to save it for later, freezing is an option. Wrap each salmon fillet in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, you can choose to microwave or use the oven. For the microwave, place the salmon on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the salmon moist. Always check that it’s warm all the way through. If you have a busy week ahead, meal prep is a great choice. You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the salmon and veggies, then divide them into single servings. Store each serving in a container. This way, you can grab a healthy meal on the go. If you want more variety, prepare extra veggies or add a side salad. This makes meals fun and easy! How long to bake salmon at 400°F? You should bake salmon for about 12-15 minutes at 400°F. It will be done when it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't dry out. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. This helps the salmon cook evenly. Gluten-free options available? This recipe is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients are safe for those with gluten issues. You can enjoy this dish without worry! Dairy considerations for the recipe This recipe does not use any dairy. It's perfect if you're lactose intolerant or just want a dairy-free meal. Feel free to enjoy it guilt-free! What is the best way to tell if salmon is done? The best way is to check for flakiness. Use a fork to gently pull apart the salmon. If it flakes easily, it's done. You can also check the color; it should be opaque. How to make the dish spicier or more flavorful? To add spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also add some hot sauce or chili powder. For extra flavor, mix in fresh herbs or citrus zest! This blog post covered a simple and tasty salmon recipe. We explored the main ingredients, steps for baking, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. You saw how to vary the recipe and store leftovers for later. Remember, cooking is about creativity and enjoying the process. Try different proteins and flavors to find what you love. Embrace your cooking journey. Each meal is a chance to learn and share with others. I hope you enjoy making this delicious dish as much as I do!$

Zesty Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon

A flavorful and easy sheet pan recipe featuring salmon fillets with lemon and herbs, served with cherry tomatoes and asparagus.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lemons lemons (1 sliced into rounds, 1 juiced)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup asparagus, trimmed
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down, and brush the fillets generously with the lemon herb mixture.
Arrange the lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets.
In a separate area on the baking sheet, place the cherry tomatoes and asparagus. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Keyword herbs, lemon, salmon, sheet pan