Let’s be real for a second. The daily question of what to make for dinner can feel like a huge challenge. You want something tasty, something the whole family will actually eat, and you definitely don’t want a mountain of dishes waiting for you afterward. It’s a tall order on a busy weeknight.
Well, I have some fantastic news for you. I’ve found one of the absolute best Easy Dinner Recipes For Family that checks all the boxes. This one pan lemon garlic salmon is about to become your new favorite. It’s a complete meal on a single sheet pan, full of bright flavors, and so simple to put together. This is one of those Quick Dinner Recipes For Family you’ll keep coming back to.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is a true weeknight hero. If you’re on the hunt for Easy Dinner Recipes For Family, this is it.
First off, the cleanup is a dream. Everything cooks together on one baking sheet. You can even line it with parchment paper to make cleanup practically nonexistent. No more scrubbing multiple pots and pans. That alone is a huge win in my book.
It’s also incredibly fast. From start to finish, you are looking at about 20 minutes of your time. It’s one of those perfect Quick Dinner Recipes For Family for when you get home late but still want a wholesome meal.
We also have to talk about how good it is for you. Packed with protein from the salmon and vitamins from the asparagus and tomatoes, it’s an Easy Healthy Dinner you can feel great about serving. It’s one of my top Healthy Dinner Ideas.
The flavors are bright, fresh, and simple enough for everyone to enjoy. The lemon garlic marinade is savory without being overpowering. This is truly one of those Simple Dinner Ideas that tastes like you spent hours on it.
This is a perfect example of how Easy Dinner Recipes For Family can be both delicious and stress free. You get a balanced, beautiful meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to get started. The list is simple, and you might already have most of these things in your kitchen.
For The Lemon Garlic Marinade
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For The Salmon And Vegetables
- 4 six ounce salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 3 bunches asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 7 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- Olive oil spray
For Serving
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread or toast (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how simple this is? Let’s walk through it together. Making Easy Dinner Recipes For Family should be fun, not a chore.
Step 1: Make The Marinade
First things first, let’s get that yummy marinade ready. In a small bowl, just mix together all the marinade ingredients. You’re looking for a nice paste to form. It will smell amazing already with the fresh lemon and garlic.
Now, gently slather that paste all over the top and sides of your salmon fillets. If you have a little extra time, maybe an hour, you can let the salmon marinate in the fridge. This lets the flavors really soak in. But if you’re in a rush, don’t worry. It will still be delicious.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Next up, get your oven’s broiler going. You want it pretty hot, around 525°F, or just as high as it will go. The broiler cooks things quickly from the top down, which is perfect for getting a nice finish on the salmon.
Position an oven rack about eight inches from the heating element at the top of your oven. This distance is key. It’s close enough to cook fast but far enough to prevent burning. This method is a secret to many Quick Dinner Recipes For Family.
Step 3: Prepare The Tray
Grab a large baking sheet. This is where the one pan magic happens. Place your trimmed asparagus and cherry tomatoes right onto the tray. Drizzle them with two teaspoons of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Toss everything together with your hands until the veggies are lightly coated. Spread them out into a single, even layer. Now, clear a little space in the center of the pan for your salmon fillets. Place them down, leaving just a bit of room between each one. A quick spray of olive oil on top of the salmon helps it get a beautiful color.
Step 4: Broil To Perfection
Slide that beautiful tray into the preheated oven. You’ll broil it for about 11 minutes. The exact time can vary a bit depending on your oven and the thickness of your salmon.
You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. If you have a meat thermometer, you can check for an internal temperature of 122°F for a perfect medium. The vegetables will be tender and slightly charred in spots. This is what makes it such a great Easy Healthy Dinner.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
And just like that, dinner is ready. Carefully take the hot tray out of the oven. Transfer the salmon and veggies to your plates. This is where you add the finishing touches that make it feel special.
Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the warm vegetables. Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over the salmon for an extra pop of brightness. Finally, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds color and flavor. This is how you make Easy Dinner Recipes For Family feel like a restaurant meal.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Just let everything cool down to room temperature first. Then, place the salmon and vegetables in an airtight container.
They will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors are still great the next day. You can enjoy them cold, or gently reheat them in the microwave or a warm oven. Leftovers make for fantastic Healthy Dinner Ideas for the next day’s lunch.
You can even flake the leftover salmon and toss it into a salad or with some pasta for a whole new meal. It’s a great way to make your efforts stretch even further.
Tips
Here are a few little tips to make sure your meal is a total success. These tricks help make all Easy Dinner Recipes For Family even easier.
Don’t overcook the salmon. This is the most important tip. Dry salmon is a sad thing. Keep an eye on it and check it a minute or two before you think it’s done. It should be tender and just a little opaque in the center.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. This recipe is very flexible. Don’t have asparagus? Try broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be sure to cut them into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.
If your oven doesn’t have a broiler, no problem. You can bake this dish instead. Just preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. You’ll get a slightly different texture, but it will still be one of the best Simple Dinner Ideas.
Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is a lifesaver. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup as easy as tossing the paper in the trash. This is a top tip for any sheet pan meal.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A delicious, fast, and healthy meal that your whole family will love, all made on one pan. This recipe is proof that Easy Dinner Recipes For Family don’t have to be boring or complicated.
It’s the kind of meal that saves you on a busy night and makes you feel like a kitchen superstar. It’s a perfect Easy Healthy Dinner that delivers on flavor without any of the fuss. I really hope you give this one a try.
This is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for those hectic days. It’s one of those Quick Dinner Recipes For Family that brings everyone to the table for a comforting and tasty meal. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Fish?
Absolutely. While salmon is fantastic here, this lemon garlic marinade works well with other fish too. Try it with cod, halibut, or even tilapia. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
What Can I Serve With This Salmon Dish?
This is a pretty complete meal on its own, but if you want to add something extra, you have options. A side of quinoa or brown rice would be great. And of course, some crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any of the delicious juices on the plate. It’s one of those very versatile Easy Dinner Recipes For Family.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, it is. All the ingredients for the salmon and vegetables are naturally gluten free. Just be sure to skip the optional crusty bread for serving, or choose a certified gluten free bread to go with it. It’s a wonderful choice for Healthy Dinner Ideas.
How Do I Know When My Asparagus Is Cooked?
Perfectly cooked asparagus should be tender crisp. This means it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. It will also turn a beautiful bright green color. Mushy, olive green asparagus is a sign it has been overcooked.
Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
This one pan lemon garlic salmon is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner. A complete meal on a single sheet pan, full of bright flavors, and so simple to put together.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all marinade ingredients (lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper) to form a paste.
- Gently slather the paste all over the top and sides of your salmon fillets. If you have time, let them marinate in the fridge for up to an hour.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to high (around 525°F). Position an oven rack about eight inches from the heating element.
- On a large baking sheet, toss the asparagus and cherry tomatoes with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread them out into a single, even layer.
- Clear a space in the center of the pan for your salmon fillets. Place them down, leaving just a bit of room between each one, and spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Slide the tray into the preheated oven and broil for about 11 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 122°F.
- Carefully take the hot tray out of the oven. Serve immediately, topping the vegetables with grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the salmon, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Don’t overcook the salmon. Keep an eye on it and check it a minute or two before you think it’s done. It should be tender and just a little opaque in the center.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or zucchini work great. Just cut them into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is a lifesaver for easy cleanup. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup as easy as tossing the paper in the trash.
If your oven doesn’t have a broiler, you can bake this dish at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Nutrition
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