The flaky richness of salmon is elevated with a buttery blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, making this dish not only crave-worthy but also delightfully light. The roasted vegetables alongside bring color, nutrients, and the perfect caramelized edge for a well-rounded plate.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, it delivers a gourmet experience with everyday ingredients you likely already have at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon slices, for garnish
For the Roasted Veggies:
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 yellow squash, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Place salmon fillets on one side of the baking sheet. Brush each generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
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In a large bowl, toss zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread veggies out on the other side of the baking sheet.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the veggies are tender.
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Garnish salmon with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Refreshing, One-Pan Dinner Bursting with Flavor and Color
When it comes to weeknight meals that feel special without taking up hours in the kitchen, few dishes can rival the balance of elegance and ease like this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Veggies. It’s light, satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and filled with vibrant, nutrient-rich ingredients that both your body and taste buds will thank you for.
In this dish, flaky, oven-baked salmon gets drenched in a zesty garlic lemon butter that caramelizes in the oven, making every bite juicy and tender. On the side, a colorful medley of roasted zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes adds freshness, a hint of natural sweetness, and a beautiful presentation on the plate.
Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe comes together in just one sheet pan and delivers restaurant-quality results with very little cleanup. Let’s dive into the flavors, ingredients, nutrition, and versatile options that make this salmon dish such a standout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Balanced, Bright Flavors
The lemon and garlic provide a zingy, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness of the salmon. Butter adds depth and silkiness, while fresh herbs like parsley bring brightness and an herbaceous touch. The roasted veggies not only contribute color and texture but also help to balance out the richness with their slightly sweet and earthy flavors.
Simple and Straightforward
With just 10 minutes of prep time and under 20 minutes in the oven, this dish is perfect for beginners and busy home cooks alike. Plus, it’s a complete meal on one tray, no extra sides needed unless you want them.
Nutritious and Wholesome
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and high-quality protein. The vegetables are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. And the olive oil used for roasting adds a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats.
Minimal Cleanup
Who doesn’t love a one-pan wonder? Cooking the salmon and veggies side by side means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your food and your evening.
Ingredient Highlights
Salmon
The star of the show, salmon is not only incredibly delicious but also one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. Rich in omega-3s, which are essential for brain and heart health, it’s also packed with protein and anti-inflammatory benefits. For this recipe, fresh, wild-caught salmon is preferred for optimal flavor and texture, but frozen (and thawed) salmon works perfectly too.
Garlic
Garlic adds warmth, depth, and a pungent sweetness when baked. It’s a powerhouse ingredient not only for flavor but also for health, offering antimicrobial properties and supporting immune function.
Lemon
Lemon juice and zest provide brightness and tang that elevate the richness of the butter and salmon. It cuts through fat and enlivens every bite with its refreshing citrus kick.
Butter
Butter, when melted and infused with garlic and lemon, creates a velvety glaze that coats the salmon and locks in moisture. It adds richness without overwhelming the dish and melds beautifully with the natural fats in the salmon.
Fresh Parsley
Chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of green and a mild peppery freshness that contrasts nicely with the buttery fish and roasted vegetables.
Roasted Vegetables
We’ve chosen zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes for their seasonal availability, bright colors, and varied textures. Zucchini and squash become tender with a slight crisp at the edges, while cherry tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness. Red bell pepper adds a sweet smokiness that ties everything together.
Optional Add-Ons & Substitutions
Make it Spicy
Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle them over the veggies before roasting.
Use Other Proteins
This lemon garlic butter sauce also works beautifully with cod, halibut, or even chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Switch Up the Veggies
Roasted asparagus, green beans, thinly sliced carrots, or even broccoli florets can be used. Try to keep the veggie slices uniform in size so they roast evenly.
Herb Variations
Swap parsley for fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles. Dill pairs especially well with lemon and fish, giving it a Scandinavian twist.
Add Grains
If you’re extra hungry or want a more carb-balanced meal, serve this dish over quinoa, wild rice, or orzo pasta to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
Wine Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Both wines are crisp, citrusy, and light, just like the salmon dish itself. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works well, especially if you roast the veggies until caramelized for some depth.
Serve this meal with a wedge of crusty bread or a lemon herb couscous if you want to make it more substantial for a dinner party. For garnish, don’t forget extra lemon wedges and a light drizzle of olive oil over the finished veggies.
For an elegant plating, serve each salmon fillet over a bed of roasted vegetables, with fresh parsley sprinkled on top and a lemon slice perched on the edge.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through or in a covered skillet over low heat.
Avoid microwaving salmon for too long, as it can dry out and develop a fishy smell. Instead, reheat it slowly or enjoy it cold in salads or wraps.
Great for Meal Prep
This recipe also works wonderfully for weekly meal prep. Make a batch, divide into containers with roasted veggies, and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches. The lemon butter flavor intensifies over time, making leftovers taste just as good, if not better.
Pro tip: drizzle a little extra lemon juice or olive oil on top before storing to help keep everything juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Veggies isn’t just a recipe, it’s a lifestyle meal. It fits into clean eating, keto, Whole30, Mediterranean diets, and more, making it versatile and diet-friendly without sacrificing a speck of flavor. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday night dinner. Best of all, it’s bursting with color, nutrients, and vibrant flavor.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate more fish into your meals or simply want a low-effort, high-impact dinner, this one-pan wonder is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let the lemony, garlicky goodness win over your table, one flaky, buttery bite at a time.