Pin It A vibrant, nourishing dish featuring flaky roasted salmon paired with caramelized winter root vegetables and hearty greens, all baked together on a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup.
I first made this sheet-pan salmon during a busy weeknight when I wanted something filling yet easy to assemble. The aroma of roasting root vegetables combined with the citrusy salmon quickly became a favorite in my house.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 pieces (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for salmon + 2 tablespoons for vegetables + 2 teaspoons for greens
- Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon for salmon + 1/2 teaspoon for vegetables + pinch for greens
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for salmon + 1/4 teaspoon for vegetables + pinch for greens
- Lemon: 1, thinly sliced + 1 teaspoon juice for greens
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled & cut in 1-inch chunks
- Parsnips: 2, peeled & cut in 1-inch chunks
- Sweet potato: 1 small, peeled and cubed
- Red onion: 1 small, cut in wedges
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh
- Baby kale / spinach: 4 cups (120 g)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking sheet:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Toss vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast root vegetables:
- Roast vegetables for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Season salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Add salmon and lemon:
- After 20 minutes, remove baking sheet from oven. Push vegetables to the edges and create space in the center for the salmon fillets. Place salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the center and top with lemon slices.
- Finish roasting:
- Return to oven and roast for another 10–12 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through and vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Toss greens:
- While salmon cooks, toss baby kale or spinach with 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and pinch of salt and pepper.
- Wilt greens:
- Remove baking sheet from oven. Scatter greens over the hot vegetables and salmon, letting them wilt for 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve salmon fillets with roasted vegetables and wilted greens. Squeeze extra fresh lemon juice over the top, if desired.
Pin It My family loves gathering at the table for this meal, especially on cold evenings. It's always satisfying to watch everyone dig in and chat about their day while enjoying the comforts of roasted flavors.
Required Tools
Large rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, large mixing bowl, chefs knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish (salmon). Always double-check that packaged ingredients are free from cross-contamination if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420 Total Fat: 21 g Carbohydrates: 27 g Protein: 31 g
Pin It Enjoy this colorful sheet-pan salmon for a fuss-free weeknight dinner that feels special yet requires minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What are the best vegetables to use with salmon on the sheet pan?
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions work well. They roast evenly and add a natural sweetness that complements the salmon.
- → How do you ensure the salmon stays moist when baking?
Patting the salmon dry, coating it lightly with olive oil, and placing lemon slices on top helps keep it moist and adds flavor during roasting.
- → Can the greens be substituted or omitted?
Yes, baby kale or spinach provide a mild, tender texture but you can substitute with other leafy greens or omit them if preferred.
- → Is it necessary to roast vegetables before adding salmon?
Partially roasting the vegetables first ensures they become tender and caramelized without overcooking the salmon, which needs less time.
- → What seasoning enhances the flavors in this dish?
Simple kosher salt and black pepper, along with fresh or dried thyme, highlight the natural flavors of the vegetables and salmon effectively.