This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dinner you can prepare with minimal effort. Packed with fresh citrus, garlic, and tender salmon, it’s perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers bright, zesty flavors with juicy, flaky salmon and roasted vegetables all in one tray. It’s incredibly easy to make, family-friendly, and requires very little cleanup. Plus, it’s naturally nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (180g / 6 oz each)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables (optional):
- 3 bunches asparagus, trimmed
- 200g cherry tomatoes
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Cooking & Serving:
- Olive oil spray
- Parmesan, finely grated
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread or toast
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the marinade over the salmon fillets evenly. Let sit for 1 hour if time allows.
- Preheat oven grill (broiler) to 280°C / 525°F and position rack 20 cm from heat.
- Toss asparagus and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray.
- Place salmon on the tray, leaving space between pieces. Lightly spray with oil.
- Cook the Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake for 11 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.
- Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle parmesan over vegetables, add lemon juice, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook salmon; it should remain moist and tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Swap asparagus with green beans or zucchini if preferred.
- Let salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling / Tray Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Halal, Gluten-Free (if served without bread)
Notes
- You can marinate the salmon overnight for deeper flavor.
- Add baby potatoes for a more filling tray bake.
- Serve with rice or quinoa instead of bread for variety.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 28g
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating.
What temperature should salmon be cooked to?
About 50°C / 122°F internally for perfectly moist salmon.
Can I bake instead of broil?
Yes, bake at 220°C / 425°F for about 12–15 minutes.
Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Absolutely, it stores well and reheats easily.
Can I skip the vegetables?
Yes, but they add great texture and nutrition.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in oven or microwave to avoid drying out.
Similar Recipes
Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 180g / 6 oz each
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables (optional):
- 3 bunches asparagus trimmed
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Cooking & Serving:
- Olive oil spray
- Parmesan finely grated
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Crusty bread or toast
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the marinade over the salmon fillets evenly. Let sit for 1 hour if time allows.
- Preheat oven grill (broiler) to 280°C / 525°F and position rack 20 cm from heat.
- Toss asparagus and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray.
- Place salmon on the tray, leaving space between pieces. Lightly spray with oil.
- Cook the Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake for 11 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.
- Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle parmesan over vegetables, add lemon juice, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can marinate the salmon overnight for deeper flavor.
- Add baby potatoes for a more filling tray bake.
- Serve with rice or quinoa instead of bread for variety.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a quick solo meal, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.