We have all been there. It is five o’clock, the day has been long, and the last thing you want to do is face a complicated meal. You are looking for easy dinner recipes that are both wholesome and satisfying. That is where the magic of a sheet pan meal comes in.
This sheet pan salmon and veggies recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It is incredibly simple to put together, uses minimal dishes, and delivers on flavor every single time. It is a complete meal on one pan, and honestly, the cleanup is a breeze. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is unmatched. You literally toss everything onto one pan and pop it in the oven. For anyone who dreads doing dishes, this is a huge win. It is one of those quick dinner ideas that actually lives up to its name.
It is also packed with good stuff. Salmon is full of omega 3 fatty acids, and the colorful vegetables provide tons of vitamins and nutrients. This is a fantastic choice when you are searching for healthy dinner ideas that do not taste like boring health food.
The flavors are just so fresh and vibrant. The simple spice blend perfectly complements the rich salmon and the sweet, roasted vegetables. A little squeeze of lemon at the end just brightens everything up. It looks as good as it tastes.
Plus, it is so easy to customize. You can swap out the vegetables based on what is in season or what you have in your fridge. It is a flexible recipe that works for you, making it a staple for any home cook looking for a reliable easy healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather. The list is simple and uses common pantry spices, which is great for keeping things budget friendly.
For The Salmon and Veggies
- 12 to 16 ounces salmon, cut into 4 fillets
- 1 zucchini
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
For The Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges or slices for serving
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how simple this is? Following these steps will give you a delicious meal in no time. This is one of the easiest easy dinner recipes you will ever make.
Step 1: Get The Oven and Spices Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is heating up, grab a small bowl and mix together your Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Having your spice blend ready makes everything go so smoothly.
Step 2: Prep The Vegetables
Next, it is time to chop your veggies. Cut the zucchini, red and yellow peppers, and the onion into bite sized cubes, about a half inch each. Spread them all out on a large baking sheet. Do not crowd the pan! A single layer is key for getting them nicely roasted.
Now, take half of your spice mixture and sprinkle it over the vegetables. Add half a tablespoon of olive oil. Use your hands to toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated. This is the fun part!
Step 3: Give The Veggies a Head Start
Spread the seasoned vegetables in an even layer on the baking sheet. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let them cook for about 10 minutes. This gives them a chance to soften up before the salmon joins the party.
Step 4: Add The Salmon
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. The veggies should be starting to get tender. Push them to the sides to make four open spaces in the middle of the pan for your salmon fillets.
Take the remaining spice mixture and rub it all over the salmon fillets, covering all sides. Place each fillet in one of the gaps you created. Then, drizzle the last half tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Garnish
Return the pan to the oven and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your salmon. You will know it is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it!
Once it is cooked through, take the pan out of the oven. Garnish everything with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. The fresh herbs and citrus really make the flavors pop. Such a great easy healthy dinner!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Let the salmon and vegetables cool completely to room temperature first. This helps prevent them from getting soggy when you store them.
Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 or 3 days. The veggies might lose a little of their crispness, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
When you are ready to eat, you can gently reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. My favorite way to enjoy leftovers is cold, flaking the salmon over a fresh salad for a quick and healthy lunch the next day.
Tips
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas to get you started. Exploring quick dinner ideas should always be fun and flexible.
- Feel free to swap the vegetables. Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or cherry tomatoes would all be wonderful additions. Just be mindful of cooking times for different veggies.
- Do not overcook the salmon. This is the most important tip! A perfectly cooked piece of salmon should be tender and moist. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your spice blend. It gives a nice, subtle warmth to the dish.
- Make sure your baking sheet is large enough. Giving the ingredients enough space to roast, rather than steam, is key to developing that lovely caramelized flavor. Use two pans if you need to.
Conclusion
There you have it, a wonderfully simple and delicious meal that is sure to become a regular in your rotation. It checks all the boxes: it is fast, healthy, and cleanup is a breeze. It truly is one of the best easy dinner recipes for any night of the week.
I hope you love this sheet pan salmon and veggies as much as my family does. It is proof that you do not need a lot of time or fancy ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful dinner. It is a great starting point for more healthy dinner ideas.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before you start. The best way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. Pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help it cook nicely.
What Other Seasonings Work Well?
This recipe is very flexible! You could try a simple mix of salt, pepper, and dill. A sprinkle of smoked paprika would add a lovely smoky flavor. Even a store bought lemon pepper seasoning would be a great shortcut. Part of the fun with easy dinner recipes is playing with flavors.
How Do I Know When The Salmon Is Cooked?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a fork. Gently press on the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes apart easily, it is ready. The color should be opaque all the way through. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
This quick sheet pan salmon and colorful veggies recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, uses minimal dishes, and delivers fresh, vibrant flavors every time. It’s a complete, healthy meal on one pan with easy cleanup, making it a staple for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is heating up, grab a small bowl and mix together your Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Having your spice blend ready makes everything go so smoothly.
- Next, it is time to chop your veggies. Cut the zucchini, red and yellow peppers, and the onion into bite sized cubes, about a half inch each. Spread them all out on a large baking sheet. Do not crowd the pan! A single layer is key for getting them nicely roasted.
- Now, take half of your spice mixture and sprinkle it over the vegetables. Add half a tablespoon of olive oil. Use your hands to toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated. This is the fun part!
- Spread the seasoned vegetables in an even layer on the baking sheet. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let them cook for about 10 minutes. This gives them a chance to soften up before the salmon joins the party.
- After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. The veggies should be starting to get tender. Push them to the sides to make four open spaces in the middle of the pan for your salmon fillets.
- Take the remaining spice mixture and rub it all over the salmon fillets, covering all sides. Place each fillet in one of the gaps you created. Then, drizzle the last half tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon.
- Return the pan to the oven and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your salmon. You will know it is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it!
- Once it is cooked through, take the pan out of the oven. Garnish everything with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. The fresh herbs and citrus really make the flavors pop. Such a great easy healthy dinner!
Notes
Feel free to swap the vegetables. Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or cherry tomatoes would all be wonderful additions. Just be mindful of cooking times for different veggies.
Do not overcook the salmon. This is the most important tip! A perfectly cooked piece of salmon should be tender and moist. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of cooking.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your spice blend. It gives a nice, subtle warmth to the dish.
Make sure your baking sheet is large enough. Giving the ingredients enough space to roast, rather than steam, is key to developing that lovely caramelized flavor. Use two pans if you need to.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
