Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon Recipe

Zesty Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon Recipe That Wows

Crisp weeknight meals find their perfect match in this zesty sheet pan lemon herb roasted salmon.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside fragrant herbs, creating a symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients promise a quick and elegant dinner solution.

Fresh salmon fillets absorb delicate herbal nuances while roasting to tender perfection.

Simple preparation meets restaurant-quality results with minimal cleanup required.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will appreciate this streamlined approach to seafood.

You deserve a delicious, nutritious meal that comes together in under thirty minutes.

Sheet Pan Salmon Lemon Herb Mix

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Classic seafood packed with omega-3, wild-caught or farm-raised options work great, fresh or thawed from frozen.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley: Aromatic herbs that add earthy and fresh flavor to the fish, dried versions provide concentrated taste.
  • Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor that complements salmon perfectly, fresh or pre-minced work well.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste, kosher or sea salt recommended.
Liquid and Citrus Elements:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute herbs and creates a smooth marinade, extra virgin preferred for best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that tenderizes fish and adds zesty freshness, fresh lemons yield best results.
Vegetable Side:
  • Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable that roasts beautifully alongside salmon, choose thin spears for quicker cooking.
Additional Kitchen Needs:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy, silicone baking mat can be substituted.

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a sheet pan and create a cozy bed of parchment paper where your salmon will rest.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together these flavor boosters:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Zesty lemon zest
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried parsley
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a harmonious sauce that will make your salmon sing with deliciousness.

Step 3: Dress the Salmon

Gently place your salmon fillets on the prepared sheet pan.

Pour the marinade generously over the fish, making sure every inch gets a flavor bath.

Save a little splash of the marinade for your asparagus friends.

Step 4: Prep the Green Companion

Trim the woody ends of your asparagus spears.

Drizzle the remaining marinade over them, ensuring they’ll be just as tasty as the salmon.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven.

Let everything roast for 12-13 minutes.

You’ll know the salmon is ready when it’s beautifully cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull out your golden-brown masterpiece from the oven.

Transfer the salmon and asparagus to a serving plate.

Take a moment to appreciate your culinary creation before diving in and enjoying every flavorful bite.

Salmon Sheet Pan Tips With Lemon Herb Finish

  • Let salmon marinate for 15-30 minutes before baking to enhance herb and lemon taste penetration.
  • Use a fork to gently flake salmon; when it separates easily and appears opaque, it's perfectly cooked.
  • Choose thin asparagus spears for faster, more even cooking and tender results.
  • Swap dried herbs with fresh herbs like rosemary or dill for a more vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.
  • Replace asparagus with zucchini or brussels sprouts to keep the dish keto and low-carbohydrate compatible.

Keeping Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon Ready to Serve Again

  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Reheat salmon in short 30-second intervals at 50% power, checking to avoid overcooking and maintaining tenderness.
  • Eat refrigerated salmon within 2-3 days for best flavor and texture, discarding if it develops an unusual smell or appearance.

Easy Add-Ons For Roasted Salmon

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the bright, citrusy salmon with their refreshing acidity and light body.
  • Create Mediterranean Salad Side: A Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and olive oil mirrors the herb and lemon flavors of the salmon, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Match Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives over the salmon to boost the herb profile and add a delicate, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's freshness.
  • Serve Lemon Couscous: Light, fluffy couscous seasoned with lemon zest and parsley provides a complementary grain side that absorbs the salmon's delicious marinade.

Lemon Herb Salmon Sheet Pan Takes

  • Mediterranean Salmon Twist: Replace dried herbs with fresh oregano, basil, and add chopped Kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Substitute salt with herb blend, use fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle citrus zest for enhanced taste without excess sodium.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Skip asparagus, replace with roasted cauliflower or zucchini, and add extra virgin olive oil for higher fat content.
  • Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are free from potential allergens, use fresh herbs, and garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs. Use 3 times more fresh herbs compared to dried herbs for the same flavor intensity.

  • How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Salmon is done when it reaches 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and slightly pink in the center.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salmon and asparagus ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture.

  • What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are excellent choices. They have rich flavor and firm texture that roasts beautifully. Ensure the fillets are similar in thickness for even cooking.

Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon That’s Made For Sheet Pans

  • Minimal Cleanup Hero: Uses a single sheet pan with parchment paper, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen mess, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
  • Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Delivers omega-3 rich salmon with fresh herbs and vegetables, offering a balanced, nutrient-packed meal that supports overall wellness without sacrificing flavor.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, works great for intimate dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, appealing to various taste buds and cooking skill levels.
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Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon Recipe

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty sheet pan lemon herb roasted salmon brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Herbal notes and citrus brightness combine for an effortless meal that delights your palate with simple, fresh ingredients you can savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets (46 ounces/113170 grams)

Vegetables:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) asparagus, ends trimmed

Marinade and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, mashed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Arrange oven rack in the center position and heat to 400°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal roasting.
  2. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for easy cleanup and delicate fish handling.
  3. Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared sheet, positioning them with equal spacing to promote even cooking.
  4. Craft a vibrant marinade by combining olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, delicate lemon zest, aromatic dried thyme, fragrant dried parsley, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  5. Drizzle and generously coat salmon fillets with approximately two-thirds of the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly embraced by the herb-infused liquid.
  6. Position trimmed asparagus alongside salmon, using the remaining marinade to thoroughly dress the green spears.
  7. Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven, roasting for 12-13 minutes until salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Carefully remove the pan, allowing the dish to rest for a moment, then transfer to serving plates, garnishing with optional fresh herb sprigs if desired.

Notes

  • Customize the herb blend by using fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness to prevent overcooking; thinner fillets might need 10 minutes, while thicker cuts could require 14-15 minutes.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free and low-carb meal by ensuring all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and using high-quality olive oil.
  • Swap salmon with other fish like trout or arctic char for variety, keeping the same cooking technique and marinade for a similar delicious result.
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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