Lemon Garlic Salmon with Roasted Vegetables is a vibrant, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings together the richness of fresh salmon with the brightness of lemon and the aroma of garlic. This recipe celebrates simplicity while delivering restaurant-quality results.

The salmon turns out perfectly tender and flaky, infused with citrusy notes, while the roasted vegetables add color, texture, and earthy depth. It’s a complete and balanced meal made on a single baking sheet, making it a top choice for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it highlights clean, fresh flavors without requiring complicated techniques or long preparation time. The lemon garlic marinade transforms the salmon into something both refreshing and savory, while the oven does most of the work.

The combination of salmon with flavorful roasted vegetables makes it nutritious, fulfilling, and satisfying. It’s also extremely versatile and works well with seasonal produce, making it a recipe you can return to all year round.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers high-quality flavor with minimal effort. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and pairing it with roasted vegetables creates a balanced, nourishing meal. The bright lemon and garlic marinade complements the natural flavor of salmon without overpowering it.

Plus, this recipe works wonderfully for meal prep, family dinners, and special occasions. Its ease, health benefits, and deliciousness make it a staple worth adding to your cooking rotation.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 20–25 minutes
Total Time 35–40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories Approximately 350–420 calories per serving (varies based on vegetables used)
Course Main Course
Cuisine American / Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the Salmon

• Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet.
• Spoon the marinade generously over each fillet.
• Let rest for 10–15 minutes while preparing vegetables.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

• In a large bowl, combine broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, bell pepper, and carrots.
• Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Toss to coat evenly.

4. Arrange and Bake

• Spread vegetables around the salmon on the baking sheet.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are tender.

5. Serve

• Plate salmon with a generous portion of roasted vegetables.
• Squeeze fresh lemon over the top if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Make the lemon garlic marinade.
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and coat with marinade.
3. Chop vegetables and season with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables around salmon.
5. Bake until salmon is flaky and vegetables are roasted.
6. Serve hot with extra lemon juice if you like.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve warm directly from the oven.
• Pair with a side of quinoa, couscous, brown rice, or garlic mashed potatoes for a fuller meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for added freshness.
• Add lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overbake salmon; check at 18 minutes for doneness.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Try to cut vegetables into similar sizes for even roasting.
• For crispy vegetables, avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Wild-caught salmon will offer the best flavor.

Variations

Herb Butter Salmon

Replace the marinade with melted butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice for a richer taste.

Spicy Salmon

Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon paprika to the marinade.

Honey Lemon Salmon

Add 1 tablespoon honey to balance lemon with a hint of sweetness.

Different Vegetables

Swap in asparagus, green beans, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms.

Foil Packets

Wrap salmon and vegetables in foil for mess-free grilling or steaming.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

• Store cooked salmon and vegetables in airtight containers.
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Vegetables may soften slightly after thawing but can still be frozen for the same duration.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowls
• Zester (optional but helpful)
• Sharp knife and cutting board

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

Can I use skin-on salmon?
Absolutely. The skin adds flavor and helps keep the salmon moist.

Can I cook the vegetables separately?
Yes, especially if you prefer extra crispy roasted vegetables.

How do I know the salmon is done?
It should easily flake with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I grill the salmon instead?
Yes, grill for 4–6 minutes per side and roast the vegetables separately in the oven.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Salmon with Roasted Vegetables is a wholesome, flavorful, and beautifully simple dish that delivers both ease and elegance. The bright, zesty marinade complements the richness of salmon effortlessly, while roasted vegetables create a nutritious and colorful plate. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a special meal, this recipe embodies freshness, balance, and satisfying flavor. Once you try it, it may quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.