Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake | Easy & Healthy Dinner Recipe
Looking for a healthy, quick, and mouthwatering dinner idea? This lemon garlic salmon tray bake is perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or impressing your family and friends! Combining the zesty tang of lemon with the aromatic touch of garlic, this recipe is both wholesome and packed with flavor.
Best of all? It only requires one tray, making the prep and cleanup ridiculously easy. Read on to learn how to create this simple, nutritious dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe ticks all the boxes:
- Quick & Easy – Prepped and cooked in under 35 minutes.
- Healthy Living – Packed with omega-3s, vitamins, and essential nutrients.
- Minimal Cleanup – Everything cooks in one tray for easy cleanup.
- Customizable – Use your favorite seasonal vegetables as a side.
Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this lemon garlic salmon tray bake will become a staple in your weekly dinners.
Ingredients for a Lemon Garlic Tray Bake
Before you get started, gather these simple and wholesome ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- 1 zucchini (sliced into rounds)
- 1 red onion (cut into wedges)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Tools:
- Large baking tray (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
How to Make Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake
This recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining your baking tray with parchment paper will make cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2 – Prep the Salmon Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the salmon fillets to the marinade, coating them evenly. Set them aside to soak in the flavor while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 3 – Prepare the Vegetables
- Place the baby potatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and onion onto the baking tray.
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure even coating.
Step 4 – Assemble the Tray Bake
- Make room in the center of the tray for the salmon fillets.
- Lay the marinated salmon fillets onto the tray, ensuring they don't overlap with the veggies.
- Pour any leftover marinade over the salmon for an extra boost of flavor.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
- For crispier vegetables or a caramelized effect, set the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the tray from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve the salmon and veggies directly from the tray for a rustic, family-style dinner. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or parsley for an added touch of elegance.
Customization Ideas
What makes this recipe a favorite is its versatility! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Switch Up the Veggies – Use what’s in season or your personal favorites like asparagus, brussels sprouts, or cherry tomatoes.
- Spice It Up – Add a pinch of chili flakes to the salmon marinade for a slight kick.
- Try a Grain – Serve the salmon and veggies over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a heartier meal.
- Add a Sauce – Pair it with a dollop of tzatziki or a drizzle of honey mustard dressing for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This lemon garlic salmon tray bake isn't just delicious—it’s a powerhouse of nutrition:
- Salmon – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and vitamins D and B12.
- Vegetables – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for a balanced plate.
- Olive Oil – A source of healthy fats, promoting heart health and satiety.
This combination offers the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs while being low in unhealthy additives.
Why This Recipe Fits Your Busy Lifestyle
Life is busy, but eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. The lemon garlic salmon tray bake is:
- Perfect for Meal Prepping – Make it on Sunday, store it in individual containers, and enjoy healthy lunches all week.
- Impressively Simple – Great for last-minute dinners when you're short on time.
- Freezer-Friendly – You can freeze portions of the cooked salmon and veggies for up to 1 month.
Try It for Dinner Tonight!
Now that you’ve seen how easy and delicious this lemon garlic salmon tray bake is, it’s time to head to your kitchen and give it a try. Trust us, one bite of the zesty lemon-glazed salmon paired with perfectly roasted vegetables will have you adding this dish to your weekly rotation.
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Happy cooking!
