If you’re looking for a dish that combines wholesome goodness with effortless preparation, this Easy Salmon Traybake Recipe will become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender, flaky salmon nestled among vibrant roasted vegetables, all cooked together on a single tray for maximum flavor and minimum fuss. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and the rich, buttery texture of salmon, with just the right touch of herbs and spices. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this traybake makes a beautiful, nourishing meal that feels cozy and special without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Salmon Traybake Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role from adding color and texture to enhancing flavor. With just a handful of staples, you’ll create a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Choose fresh or high-quality frozen for the best flaky, juicy result.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps keep the salmon moist and gives a lovely sheen to the fish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle aroma that complements the salmon perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Brings a subtle smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the salmon’s natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary: Earthy herbs that infuse the salmon with comforting notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Adds brightness and a zingy fresh contrast to the richness of the fish.
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh herbal finish to the final dish.
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds: Adds tender, slightly sweet green veggies to the tray.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (any color): Brings vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 medium red onion, sliced: Roasts to caramelized goodness with sweet and savory flavors.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst with juiciness and add a punch of tangy freshness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Tosses the veggies for a perfect roast and helps them caramelize beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a Mediterranean flair and complements the vegetables wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick for those who like a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and brings out the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
How to Make Easy Salmon Traybake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a large baking tray with parchment paper or give it a light coat of olive oil. This step ensures your salmon and vegetables won’t stick, making for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Grab a big bowl and toss together the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried oregano, chili flakes (if you’re using them), plus salt and pepper. This coating not only seasons the veggies but also helps them roast to a perfect caramelized crispness.
Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables on the Tray
Spread the tossed vegetables out evenly in a single layer on your prepared baking tray. Giving each piece space helps them roast evenly instead of steaming, which makes a big difference in texture and flavor.
Step 4: Season the Salmon Fillets
Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika (optional), dried thyme or rosemary, plus salt and pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the fish’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Step 5: Place the Salmon with the Vegetables
Nestle the seasoned salmon fillets right in the center of the vegetable bed on the tray. This positioning allows the salmon juices to mingle with the veggies while cooking, boosting their flavor too.
Step 6: Add Lemon Slices
Top each salmon fillet with a couple of thin lemon slices. As they roast, the lemon releases fresh citrus oils that seep into the fish and vegetables, brightening every bite.
Step 7: Bake the Traybake
Pop the tray into the oven for 15-20 minutes. You want to cook until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Meanwhile, keep an eye on the vegetables—they should turn golden and tender, creating a perfect, colorful complement to the fish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
When it’s all cooked, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill over the salmon for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve straight from the tray for an effortless yet stunning presentation.
How to Serve Easy Salmon Traybake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are ideal garnishes—they add a splash of emerald green and a lift of herbal brightness to every mouthful. A quick squeeze of extra lemon juice just before serving amplifies that lovely citrus note too, making the whole dish feel light and fresh.
Side Dishes
This salmon traybake is a self-contained meal thanks to the veggies roasting alongside the fish, but if you want to serve something on the side, a fluffy grain like quinoa, couscous, or even simple steamed rice would be perfect to soak up the juices. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also add crunch and freshness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salmon fillets on a board with the roasted veggies piled beside them for a rustic, family-style sharing vibe. Alternatively, plate each salmon fillet over a bed of the roasted vegetables, drizzle with a little extra olive oil or a dollop of herbed yogurt for an elegant twist. Colorful lemon wedges on the side always bring that extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They should remain fresh and tasty for up to 2 days—perfect for quick lunches or a speedy dinner the next day.
Freezing
While salmon and roasted vegetables can be frozen, texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze this traybake, wrap it well in airtight freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty foil and use within 1 month for the best quality.
Reheating
When reheating, the gentle warmth of a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) is best to avoid drying out the salmon. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep the fish moist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used too. Just remember they tend to be milder than dried, so feel free to add a little extra to boost the flavor.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries! You can leave it out or substitute with a sweet paprika for a milder flavor. The recipe still shines without it, just a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works great as long as you thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning. This helps keep the seasoning on well and ensures even cooking.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque, pinkish color inside. For assurance, you can check that it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a kitchen thermometer.
Can I add other vegetables to this traybake?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorites like asparagus, green beans, or baby potatoes. Just be mindful of cooking times—denser veggies may need to be sliced thinner or par-cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Salmon Traybake Recipe is truly a keeper—simple to prepare, loaded with fresh ingredients, and bursting with wholesome flavor that feels like a treat every time. It’s one of those dishes that’s forgiving enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share at the table with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite go-to meal!
Print
Easy Salmon Traybake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Salmon Traybake recipe combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, all cooked together on one tray for a simple, healthy, and delicious meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it features bold flavors from garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs, and is finished with fresh lemon slices and herbs for a bright, fresh touch.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (any color)
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the zucchini rounds, bell pepper strips, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
- Arrange the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking tray to ensure they roast properly and caramelize evenly.
- Prepare the Salmon: Drizzle each salmon fillet with olive oil and season them with garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), dried thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper for flavorful, aromatic fish.
- Place the Salmon on the Tray: Position the seasoned salmon fillets in the center of the tray, surrounded by the prepared vegetables, creating a balanced and visually appealing layout.
- Add Lemon Slices: Top each salmon fillet with a couple of thin lemon slices to infuse a bright, citrusy flavor during cooking.
- Bake the Traybake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure safe consumption.
- Check Vegetables: Ensure the vegetables are tender and have a slight golden caramelization, indicating they are roasted perfectly and complement the salmon well.
- Garnish the Salmon: Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill over the salmon fillets for a fresh and herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the salmon fillets with the roasted vegetables on the side for a nutritious, complete meal that’s both hearty and delicious.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can substitute dried thyme with fresh herbs if available; add fresh herbs after cooking to preserve their flavor.
- The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.
- Feel free to swap vegetables depending on seasonal availability; asparagus, green beans, or carrots work well in this traybake.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets; always check for doneness by flaking with a fork.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
