The vibrant freshness of this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The butter melts into the flaky salmon, infusing it with a garlicky richness, while the lemon zest and juice brighten up every bite. Roasted asparagus and baby potatoes add hearty, wholesome texture and flavor without requiring separate pans or extra dishes.
This sheet pan recipe is a one-stop solution for a balanced meal that looks as good as it tastes. It’s simple enough for a beginner but elegant enough to serve when guests come over. The lemon and garlic work together to create a savory, zesty finish that’s irresistible. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, just toss the parchment and you’re done! Healthy, easy, and restaurant-quality all in one pan.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 lb baby potatoes, halved
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1 lb asparagus, trimmed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
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In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on one side of the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
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Remove the baking sheet, push potatoes to one side, and place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the center. Arrange asparagus on the other side.
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Brush the lemon garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets and drizzle the remainder over the asparagus.
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Return to oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is flaky and cooked through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Veggies
When it comes to cooking healthy, flavorful meals that don’t require a ton of effort or cleanup, few dishes are as satisfying as a sheet pan dinner. And among the best of them is Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Veggies. It’s a bright, fresh, and wholesome recipe that brings together tender flaky salmon fillets, crisp roasted asparagus, and golden baby potatoes, all drizzled in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. If you’re on the lookout for a complete meal that’s easy to prep and even easier to devour, this recipe checks all the boxes.
This dish has become a favorite not just for its incredible flavor profile, but for how effortlessly it comes together. With only one sheet pan, minimal prep, and a cooking time under 40 minutes, it’s the kind of meal that fits seamlessly into busy weeknights. At the same time, it’s elegant enough to serve at a weekend gathering or when entertaining dinner guests.
The Beauty of a Sheet Pan Dinner
One of the reasons this recipe is so beloved is because of the convenience it offers. Sheet pan meals eliminate the need for multiple pots and pans, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your food. But don’t let the simplicity fool you, this dish doesn’t sacrifice on taste. Each component roasts together in harmony, allowing the flavors to blend naturally while creating wonderful textures and aromas.
Roasting is also one of the healthiest cooking methods, preserving nutrients while enhancing natural flavors. The salmon becomes juicy and tender, the asparagus maintains a pleasant crispness, and the potatoes develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior while remaining soft inside. It’s everything you could want in a meal: nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying.
Why Lemon, Garlic, and Butter Work So Well Together
The sauce in this dish is what ties everything together. Lemon, garlic, and butter are a culinary trio that’s stood the test of time, and for good reason. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, while the garlic adds depth and a touch of sharpness. Together, they form a sauce that enhances without overpowering.
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Lemon adds brightness and a clean citrus flavor that complements the natural fattiness of the salmon. It also brings a refreshing zing to the vegetables.
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Garlic, when baked, mellows into a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that weaves beautifully through the dish.
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Butter adds richness and silkiness to the sauce, carrying all the flavors evenly and coating every bite with a luxurious touch.
This combo is poured over the salmon and veggies before roasting and does double duty: it infuses the ingredients during cooking and leaves you with a luscious pan sauce for drizzling once plated.
Choosing the Right Salmon
Freshness matters when it comes to seafood. When shopping for salmon, look for firm, bright-colored fillets with a fresh, ocean-like smell. Whether you prefer wild-caught or farm-raised is up to your taste and values, both work beautifully in this recipe.
If you’re serving guests or want a restaurant-quality presentation, skin-on fillets help hold the fish together and provide a nice contrast in texture. The skin crisps up in the oven, while the inside remains moist and flaky.
Can’t find fresh salmon? No worries, frozen salmon fillets are a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Veggies
The key to great roasted vegetables lies in cutting them to uniform sizes and not overcrowding the pan. In this recipe:
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Baby potatoes are halved for even roasting. They take the longest, so they go in first.
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Asparagus is added later so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy. It roasts just enough to retain a bit of snap and color.
A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all they need, thanks to the sauce that ties everything together during the second half of roasting.
Want to switch it up? You can easily substitute asparagus for broccoli florets, green beans, or zucchini. Red onions or cherry tomatoes are also fantastic additions and roast beautifully alongside salmon.
Nutrition Meets Flavor
What’s not to love about a recipe that tastes indulgent but is packed with health benefits? Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. It’s also high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium.
Asparagus adds fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K to the mix, while potatoes deliver complex carbs and potassium. And because the butter sauce is homemade, you know exactly what’s going into your meal, no additives or mystery ingredients.
This makes the dish ideal for anyone trying to eat clean, follow a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle, or simply reduce processed foods.
Make It Your Own
Another thing that makes this recipe a household favorite is how customizable it is. You can tweak it in small ways depending on your mood or pantry:
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Add herbs: Fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary work wonders in the butter sauce.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the lemon butter.
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Make it dairy-free: Swap butter for a vegan alternative or use olive oil for a lighter touch.
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Add a side: Serve with a quinoa salad, couscous, or a crusty baguette to round out the meal.
Leftovers? No problem. Flaked lemon garlic salmon is incredible the next day in a wrap, tossed over a salad, or added to a grain bowl. Just refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve moisture.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Roasted Veggies is everything a great dinner should be; easy, flavorful, and nourishing. It showcases how simple ingredients, when combined with care and intention, can result in something truly delightful. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or entertaining guests, this sheet pan meal delivers every time.
The vibrant lemon, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and perfectly roasted salmon create an elegant harmony that feels gourmet, even though it’s fuss-free. Add in the crisp-tender asparagus and golden potatoes, and you have a complete, colorful, and crave-worthy dish on your hands.
Next time you’re staring at a fridge full of groceries and wondering what to make, let this be your go-to. It’s sure to impress without the stress and isn’t that what great cooking is all about?