🐟 GARLIC HERB SALMON TRAY BAKE

A simple one-pan dinner packed with flavor — juicy salmon, tender vegetables, and a buttery garlic-herb sauce.

✅ Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil OR melted butter

• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a mix of:

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or dill (for serving)

• Lemon slices (optional)

Vegetables for Tray Bake

Choose 3–4:

• 2 cups baby potatoes (halved)

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup green beans

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 carrot, sliced

• 1 small zucchini, sliced

🍽️ Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Set to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare vegetables

• Toss potatoes and firm veggies (like carrots/broccoli) with:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt & pepper

• Spread onto a baking tray and bake 15 minutes first
  (because they take longer than salmon).

3. Prepare Garlic Herb Salmon

In a bowl, mix:

• olive oil OR melted butter

• minced garlic

• lemon juice + zest

• dried herbs

• paprika (optional)

• salt & pepper

Brush or rub this all over the salmon fillets.

4. Add salmon to tray

Take tray out after the 15-minute vegetable bake.
Push veggies aside and place salmon fillets in the center.

5. Bake everything together

Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness:

• 12 min → soft & moist

• 15 min → fully cooked, flakier

6. Serve

Top with fresh dill or parsley and lemon slices.
Serve directly from the tray!

⭐ Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overbake — salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

• Add tomatoes and zucchini only in the last 10 minutes so they don’t get mushy.

• For crispier potatoes, pre-bake them 20 minutes before adding salmon.

❓ Q&A ABOUT GARLIC HERB SALMON TRAY BAKE

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?

A: Yes — thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning so the garlic-herb mix sticks.

Q2: What herbs work best?

A:

• Dill (classic with salmon)

• Parsley

• Thyme

• Basil

• Italian seasoning mixes

Fresh herbs elevate flavor but dried herbs work great too.

Q3: How do I keep salmon moist?

A:

• Don’t overbake

• Use a bit of butter in the marinade

• Cover loosely with foil for the first 5 minutes (optional)

Q4: What vegetables are best for tray bakes?

A: Potatoes, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, asparagus — all roast beautifully.

Q5: Can I meal-prep this?

A: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently at 300°F (150°C) to avoid drying out.

Q6: What can I serve with it?

• Rice or quinoa

• Garlic bread

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• A light salad

Q7: Can I make it spicy?

A: Add ½–1 teaspoon chili flakes, sriracha, or smoked paprika.