We all have those days when we need a delicious meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, right? That’s where quick meals come to the rescue! I absolutely love this one pan lemon herb salmon and zucchini dish because it not only comes together in a snap, but it also means less cleanup. Salmon has always been a favorite of mine; it’s so versatile and packed with flavor! The bright lemon and fragrant herbs really elevate the dish, making it feel special without any fuss. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep handy for busy nights!
Ingredients for One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish! Start with 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); they should be fresh and vibrant, ready to soak up all that flavor. Next, grab 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons for even cooking. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to help everything roast beautifully. Don’t forget 1 lemon, juiced and zested, which adds that zesty punch! For flavor, 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano are essential. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Simple, right? Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your salmon cooks evenly and gets that lovely, flaky texture we’re after. Plus, it helps the zucchini roast perfectly alongside!
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Herb Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Then, toss in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—this is the magic marinade that’ll bring so much flavor to your dish! Make sure to taste it; adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preference, because you want every bite to be delicious!
Step 3: Arrange Salmon and Zucchini
Now it’s time to get everything on the baking sheet! Place the salmon fillets in the center of a parchment-lined baking sheet. This keeps cleanup easy! Surround the salmon with the sliced zucchini in a single layer—this helps them cook evenly and soak up all that tasty lemon herb mixture you just made. Don’t overcrowd them; they need a bit of space to roast!
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Drizzle that lemon herb mixture generously over both the salmon and zucchini. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized. If your salmon fillets are thicker, just add a couple more minutes to the baking time. Keep a close eye on it—nobody wants overcooked salmon!
Tips for Success with One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini
To make sure your one pan lemon herb salmon and zucchini turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! First, always use fresh salmon—frozen is fine, but thaw it completely for even cooking. When it comes to seasoning, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; they really enhance the flavors! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon herb mixture. And remember, if you’re using other veggies, cut them to a similar size as the zucchini for even roasting. Happy cooking!
Variations on One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this one pan lemon herb salmon and zucchini recipe! For starters, try swapping the zucchini for other veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes—each adds a unique flavor and texture. You could also experiment with different herbs; fresh dill or basil would bring a fresh twist. Want to spice it up? A dash of smoked paprika or some fresh chili can add a nice kick! And if you’re in the mood for something different, marinating the salmon in a teriyaki or honey mustard sauce can create a whole new flavor profile. The possibilities are endless—get creative and enjoy!
Nutritional Information for One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini
This one pan lemon herb salmon and zucchini dish is not only delicious but also nutritious! Each serving, which includes one salmon fillet and half a zucchini, is approximately 350 calories. You’ll get about 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 8g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they highlight how healthy and satisfying this meal can be!
FAQ about One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini
Can I use frozen salmon? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. It’s a great option if you’re in a pinch!
What if I don’t have zucchini? No worries! You can substitute with other quick-cooking veggies like asparagus or bell peppers—just watch the cooking time.
Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best fresh, you can prep the lemon herb mixture and chop the veggies ahead of time for an even quicker dinner!
How can I tell when the salmon is done? The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque color. If in doubt, a quick thermometer check at 145°F (63°C) will do the trick!
What should I serve with it? This dish is great on its own, but a light salad or some quinoa on the side would complement it beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy ingredients that are packed with flavor.
- One pan means minimal cleanup—yay!
- Deliciously flaky salmon paired with tender, roasted zucchini.
- Versatile—you can mix and match veggies and herbs!
One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy one pan dish featuring lemon herb salmon and zucchini.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add zucchini slices around the salmon.
- Drizzle the lemon herb mixture over salmon and zucchini.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet and 1/2 zucchini
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one pan lemon herb salmon and zucchini
