Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is a simple and delicious one-pan dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. The salmon is baked with garlic, lemon, and a medley of vegetables, creating a complete meal with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby potatoes (or small potatoes), halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Salmon Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey (optional), oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Place the salmon fillets on a plate or in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon fillets and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
4. Roast the Vegetables:
- Place the baking sheet with the vegetables in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are just beginning to soften. Stir once or twice during roasting for even cooking.
5. Add the Salmon:
- After the vegetables have roasted for 15-20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place the marinated salmon fillets on top of the vegetables.
- Drizzle any leftover marinade over the salmon fillets and vegetables.
6. Bake the Salmon and Vegetables:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 62°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy top on the salmon, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve:
- Once everything is cooked, remove the tray from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve the salmon fillets with the roasted vegetables on the side, or flake the salmon and mix everything together for a more rustic, one-pan meal.
Tips:
- Customize the vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or carrots depending on what you have on hand.
- Make it spicier: For a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the salmon before baking.
- Meal prep: This dish is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and effortless dinner that combines juicy salmon, tender vegetables, and bright citrus flavors. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights or when you want something light yet satisfying!