Chamli Nawod A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Dinner
There’s nothing better than a delicious, healthy, and fuss-free dinner that comes together in minutes. This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is exactly that—a vibrant, flavorful dish packed with tender salmon, roasted vegetables, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce.
Perfect for busy weeknights or even a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup since everything cooks together on a single tray. The best part? It’s loaded with nutrients, healthy fats, and bold flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant.
Let’s dive into this simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
✅ One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and veggies.
✅ Versatile – Swap veggies or seasonings based on preference.
✅ Restaurant-Quality Flavor – The lemon-garlic sauce elevates the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salmon & Vegetables
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed (or substitute with broccoli or green beans)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep the Tray
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Par-Cook the Potatoes
- Toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on the tray and roast for 15 minutes (this ensures they cook through).
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
- Remove the tray from the oven and push the potatoes to one side.
- Add the asparagus, bell pepper, and red onion to the tray.
- Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt & pepper, and toss lightly.
Step 4: Season the Salmon
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the salmon fillets on the tray, skin-side down if using skin-on.
- Spoon the lemon-garlic sauce generously over each fillet.
- Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and the veggies are tender.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes (optional).
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Serve immediately with a side of quinoa, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake
🔹 Choose Fresh Salmon – Look for bright, firm fillets with no fishy smell.
🔹 Don’t Overcook – Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork (145°F internal temp).
🔹 Customize Veggies – Try zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or carrots for variety.
🔹 Make It Spicy – Add a dash of paprika or extra red pepper flakes.
🔹 Double the Sauce – If you love bold flavors, make extra lemon-garlic sauce for drizzling.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious pairings:
- Grains: Quinoa, couscous, or wild rice.
- Bread: Crusty baguette or garlic bread.
- Salad: A simple arugula or cucumber salad.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave at low power to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it completely in the fridge before baking to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the veggies and sauce ahead, but bake just before serving for the best texture.
3. What if I don’t have asparagus?
Swap with green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts—all work great!
4. Is this recipe gluten-free & dairy-free?
Yes! Just use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is a foolproof, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍋🐟
Did you make this recipe? Tag us on social media and share your creations! #LemonGarlicSalmon #TrayBakeDinner #EasySalmonRecipe
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