Save 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.
The first time I made this for my family, everyone raved about the delicious contrast between the savory salmon and sweet roasted root vegetables. It quickly became a favorite for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 pieces, 6 oz 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 lemon, thinly sliced for salmon, 1 teaspoon juice for greens
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled, cut into 1 inch chunks
- Parsnips: 2 medium, peeled, cut into 1 inch chunks
- Sweet potato: 1 small, peeled, cubed
- Red onion: 1 small, cut into wedges
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh for vegetables
- Baby kale or baby spinach: 4 cups (120 g)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and red onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast Vegetables:
- Roast vegetables for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Prep Salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Add Salmon:
- After roasting vegetables, push them to the edges of the pan, making space for salmon in the center.
- Top Salmon:
- Place salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the center. Top with lemon slices.
- Finish Roasting:
- Return baking sheet to oven and roast for 10 to 12 minutes, until salmon is cooked and vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Toss Greens:
- While salmon cooks, toss greens with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add Greens:
- Scatter greens over hot vegetables and salmon after baking, let wilt for 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve salmon fillets with roasted vegetables and wilted greens, and squeeze extra lemon juice over top if desired.
Save Gathering around the table with everyone scooping up bright veggies and flaking off tender salmon always reminds me of winter holidays spent together.
Required Tools
Large rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, large mixing bowl, chefs knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish (salmon). Confirm packaged ingredients are free from cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 21 g, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 31 g per serving
Save This simple sheet-pan salmon is packed with color and flavor, making dinner fast and memorable.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of salmon is best for this dish?
Skin-on salmon fillets work best as they hold together during roasting and provide crisp texture on the skin.
- → Can other root vegetables be used?
Yes, turnips, beets, or rutabagas can be substituted or added for variety and flavor depth.
- → How do I ensure the vegetables are perfectly caramelized?
Toss vegetables evenly in oil and arrange in a single layer. Roast at a high temperature and stir halfway for uniform caramelization.
- → What greens work well with this dish?
Baby kale, baby spinach, or Swiss chard are great choices that wilt nicely when tossed over the hot vegetables and fish.
- → Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?
Vegetables can be prepped in advance. Cooking is quickest fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently to retain flavors.