Sometimes, after a long day, you just want food that feels like a gentle pat on the back. This baked salmon dinner is exactly that kind of meal — simple, satisfying, and packed with quiet comfort. The lemon and herbs add brightness without being overpowering, while the roasted baby potatoes and asparagus offer a tender, earthy balance. It’s the kind of dinner you can almost hear whispering, “take a breath, you deserve this.”
I remember the first time I made this dish, distracted by a half-started phone call and the soft hum of evening settling in. The timer went off somewhere between the third and fourth ring, and I barely noticed the aroma of garlic and lemon filling the kitchen until I poked a potato and realized dinner was ready. It wasn’t perfect timing, but the flavors were exactly right — and that’s what mattered.
- It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t demand every single ingredient be perfect — sometimes a pinch more or less salt is just fine.
- The roasted vegetables gently steal the show with their caramelized edges, making the whole plate feel more special.
- Cooking time is manageable, but you might find yourself wishing the fish had a little more crispness on top — a small tradeoff for tenderness.
- Great for weeknights when you want something wholesome but not fussy.
If you’re worried about juggling the oven trays, I usually find it’s easier than it looks — just keep an eye on the veggies to avoid over-roasting. And leftovers, if there are any, reheat surprisingly well without drying out.
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Baked Salmon Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A simple and delicious baked salmon dinner featuring tender salmon fillets seasoned with lemon and herbs, served with roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
While the potatoes roast, prepare the salmon by placing the fillets on a lined baking tray.
Brush each salmon fillet with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Sprinkle minced garlic, dried dill, dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper evenly over the salmon fillets.
Place 2 lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
After the potatoes have roasted for 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the trimmed asparagus to the tray.
Place the salmon baking tray on the middle rack of the oven and the vegetable tray back in the oven.
Bake the salmon and vegetables for 10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender.
Remove both trays from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Serve the baked salmon fillets with the roasted baby potatoes and asparagus on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
For equipment, all you really need is a good baking sheet and a lined tray to keep things tidy. Serving this with a simple green salad or crusty bread turns it into a full-on feast. I’ve tried swapping asparagus for green beans once or twice, which worked okay but changed the texture in ways I wasn’t totally sold on. Also, mixing in a few cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness could be a nice twist, though I haven’t tested it enough to swear by it.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon fillets? Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before baking to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have dried dill or parsley? Fresh herbs can work, but use them more sparingly since they’re more potent. Or simply skip them if needed—the lemon and garlic still carry a lot of flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prep the veggies in advance and store them in the fridge, then toss everything in the oven when you’re ready.
Ready to make this cozy baked salmon dinner your new go-to? Give it a try tonight and see how the simple flavors come together to feel like a small celebration on your plate.