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
Scale
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.