One-Pan Garlic Herb Salmon: Easy Dinner Delight

Why You’ll Love This Easy Salmon Dinner

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day, only to end up with a sink full of dishes? Many home cooks search for quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meals that don’t compromise on taste or presentation. This One-Pan Garlic Herb Salmon is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and the result is a restaurant-quality meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Imagine succulent, flaky salmon nestled alongside tender roasted potatoes, sweet cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor, and crisp-tender green beans, all infused with aromatic garlic and herbs. It’s a complete meal on one baking sheet, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to dinner!

Ingredients For Your Garlic Herb Salmon

The beauty of this one-pan wonder lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together harmoniously. We’re focusing on flavor and ease, so gather these:

• 2 Salmon Fillets (about 6 oz each): Look for vibrant, firm flesh. Salmon provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy choice.
• 1 lb Baby Potatoes: Halved or quartered if larger. These will become gorgeously golden and tender.
• 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes: They’ll roast and become incredibly sweet and juicy.
• 1/2 lb Green Beans: Trimmed. They add a pop of color and a satisfying crunch.
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melts into a luscious sauce for everything.
• 4-6 cloves Garlic: Minced. The star of our aromatic blend!
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs: A mix of finely chopped parsley, dill, and thyme. Fresh herbs are key for that bright, fragrant aroma.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For roasting the vegetables.
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving. A squeeze of citrus brightens everything up.

Substitutions and Variations

• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or even small red potatoes work beautifully. Just adjust roasting time if needed.
• Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini can be swapped in. For denser vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, add them to the pan earlier.
• Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1.5 teaspoons of dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary).
• Butter: You can use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative.
• Salmon: Cod, halibut, or even chicken breast (adjust cooking time) can be used.

Timing Is Everything

Compared to many complex salmon recipes that can take over an hour from start to finish, this dish is a weeknight warrior, clocking in at under an hour from prep to plate. The beauty of a one-pan meal is that much of the “active” time is simply tossing ingredients, allowing your oven to do the heavy lifting.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Salmon

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and beautiful meal.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. This simple step saves so much scrubbing later!

Step 2: Toss the Veggies

In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes and trimmed green beans. Drizzle with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and toss until everything is lightly coated. Spread these vegetables in a single layer on one side of the prepared baking sheet. This ensures they roast evenly and get nice and crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them develop a lovely, slightly crisp exterior. Place the salmon fillets in the same bowl you used for the vegetables. Add minced garlic, fresh herbs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently coat the salmon, making sure not to break the delicate flesh. You want each bite to be infused with that garlicky herb goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Pan

Nestle the cherry tomatoes amongst the potatoes and green beans on the baking sheet. Then, place the herb-coated salmon fillets on the other side of the baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space around them. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows everything to roast rather than steam.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and the size of your potatoes. Keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful fish. Serve the salmon alongside the roasted vegetables, with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Nutritional Information

While specific values can vary based on ingredient size and brand, a serving of this One-Pan Garlic Herb Salmon is generally:

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal per serving
• Protein: High (around 35-40g)
• Fat: Moderate, with healthy omega-3s from salmon and healthy fats from olive oil.
• Carbohydrates: Moderate, primarily from potatoes and vegetables.
• Fiber: Good source from the vegetables.

Healthier Alternatives and Flavor Boosts

This recipe is already a nutritional powerhouse, but here are some ways to make it even healthier or boost its flavor:

• Reduce Butter: Use 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead. The flavor is still fantastic!
• Opt for Leaner Protein: While salmon is excellent, you could also use cod or shrimp, which are lower in fat but still provide lean protein.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate nutrient-dense options like spinach, kale, or Brussels sprouts. Add heartier greens in the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the vegetables or salmon will add a delightful kick.
• Herb Power: Experiment with different fresh herb combinations like rosemary and sage, or basil and oregano.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pan meal is designed to be a complete dish, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving:

• A Dollop of Yogurt/Sour Cream: A small spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with a little lemon zest and herbs can be a refreshing topping for the salmon.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any delicious pan juices.
• Side Salad: A light, crisp side salad can add extra freshness.
• Additional Herbs: Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley right before serving for a professional touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have potential pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure yours is perfect:

• Overcrowding the Pan: This is the biggest culprit for soggy vegetables, as they steam instead of roast. Give everything space!
• Not Patting Salmon Dry: Wet salmon will steam. Patting it dry is crucial for achieving that lovely flaky texture and slight crust.
• Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. Check for doneness by gently flaking it with a fork. It should be opaque and flake easily.
• Uneven Cutting of Potatoes: Ensure potatoes are cut into roughly similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers are a bonus! Here’s how to handle them:

• Storage: Once cooled, store any remaining salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate the salmon from the vegetables if possible to prevent the fish from becoming mushy.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) or gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or oil. Microwave reheating is quick but can make the salmon dry and the vegetables soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

One-Pan Garlic Herb Salmon: Easy Dinner Delight

Print Recipe

A simple yet mouth-watering meal that combines buttery salmon, roasted potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and green beans.

• Author: Chef Samantha

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4salmon fillets (about6 ozeach)
• 1lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cupcherry tomatoes
• 1/2lb green beans, trimmed
• 3 tbspolive oil
• 2garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsppaprika
• 1/2 tspdried thyme
• 1/2 tspdried rosemary
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place halved baby potatoes on the baking sheet, drizzle one-third of the herb oil over them, and roast for about 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet and push potatoes to one side. Add salmon, green beans, and cherry tomatoes.
5. Drizzle remaining herb oil over salmon and vegetables, placing a lemon slice on each salmon fillet.
6. Roast everything in the oven for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and vegetables are tender.

Notes

Use fresh sustainable salmon for the best flavor. Check for any pin bones before cooking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 30 g