Garlic Herb Salmon Tray Bake

This Garlic Herb Salmon Tray Bake is the definition of effortless elegance. Everything cooks together on one pan, allowing the salmon to stay juicy while the vegetables roast to tender, caramelized perfection. Finished with a rich garlic-herb butter sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep and almost no cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a light yet satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans or asparagus, trimmed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, green beans, bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes to give them a head start.

3. Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.

4. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.

5. Assemble the Tray Bake

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the vegetables slightly to the sides and place the salmon fillets in the center. Spoon the garlic herb butter generously over the salmon and drizzle any remaining sauce over the vegetables.

6. Bake Until Perfect

Return the tray to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

7. Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Spoon any pan juices over the salmon for extra flavor.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

Tips

• Use evenly sized salmon fillets for consistent cooking.
• Avoid overbaking; salmon stays juiciest when just cooked through.
• If vegetables are browning too fast, loosely tent with foil.

Variations

• Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini for extra color.
• Swap butter for olive oil for a lighter version.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
• Use dill instead of parsley for a classic salmon pairing.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold in salads or wraps.

Pairings

• Sides: Steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread
• Salads: Simple green salad or cucumber dill salad
• Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry rosé

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired