Name: Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 pound baby potatoes, halved; 1 pound broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

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This sheet pan salmon dinner is the ultimate weeknight savior. With tender, flaky salmon seasoned with everything bagel seasoning and a medley of perfectly roasted vegetables, it’s a flavorful and wholesome meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs takes this dish to the next level, making it perfect for a casual dinner or even a small gathering. Plus, it’s as simple as tossing everything on one pan, roasting, and serving! Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish is a great option for those busy nights when you need something delicious and nutritious without the fuss.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
1 pound broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
Roast the vegetables for 15 minutes.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and place the salmon fillets on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle the salmon with everything bagel seasoning and garlic.
Add lemon slices over the salmon and vegetables.
Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 27 minutes | Total Time: 37 minutes

Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Origins and Popularity of Sheet Pan Dinners

Sheet pan dinners have become increasingly popular over the past few years, especially with the rise of busy lifestyles and the demand for quick, convenient meals. The concept of a sheet pan dinner is simple: arrange your protein and vegetables on a single pan, roast it in the oven, and you have a complete meal ready with minimal cleanup. This trend has been embraced by home cooks around the world because it combines ease with the ability to create nutritious meals with a variety of ingredients.

The inspiration for this particular recipe stems from the desire to simplify weeknight cooking while maintaining bold flavors and a balanced nutritional profile. Salmon, a nutrient-dense, omega-3-rich fish, pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables for a meal that’s not only easy but also packed with health benefits.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, making this sheet pan dinner an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their diet. It’s rich in high-quality protein, essential vitamins like B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body. Omega-3s have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, support mental health, and promote healthy skin.

Another benefit of salmon is that it’s a sustainable source of protein when sourced responsibly. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, for instance, is considered a sustainable seafood option, making it a great choice for those who are mindful of environmental impacts.

The Power of Everything Bagel Seasoning

One of the unique elements of this dish is the use of everything bagel seasoning, which adds a savory, crunchy, and slightly tangy twist to the salmon. This seasoning blend typically includes a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. It originated from New York’s famous everything bagel, but in recent years, it has become a popular seasoning for all types of foods, from avocado toast to roasted vegetables.

In this recipe, everything bagel seasoning creates a crunchy crust on the salmon, offering a delightful contrast to the tender, flaky fish. It’s a simple but effective way to elevate the flavor profile of the dish without the need for complex sauces or marinades.

The Benefits of Roasting Vegetables

Roasting is one of the best cooking methods to enhance the flavor of vegetables. In this recipe, you’ll be roasting baby potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers alongside the salmon. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in vegetables, giving them a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a perfectly tender texture with a bit of crispness.

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. Roasting it brings out its earthy flavor while keeping its nutritional profile intact. Bell peppers are another great addition, offering a vibrant color and a sweet, mild flavor. They’re rich in vitamins A and C and provide a satisfying crunch even after roasting. Potatoes add heartiness to the dish and are a great source of potassium and complex carbohydrates.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep

This sheet pan salmon dinner is a fantastic meal prep option. Since everything is cooked in one pan, you can easily double or even triple the recipe to make enough for several meals throughout the week. Once the dish is roasted, the salmon and vegetables can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, the salmon maintains its moisture, and the vegetables stay flavorful, making it a great option for those who like to prepare their meals in advance. You can also pack this meal for lunch at work or school, as it’s easy to transport and tastes great even when reheated.

Why This Recipe is a Time-Saver

If you’re juggling work, family, and personal time, you know how hard it can be to find a window for cooking healthy meals. This recipe solves that problem. With only 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, the majority of the work is done by the oven. You don’t need to worry about watching multiple pots or pans — everything cooks on a single sheet.

The one-pan approach also means cleanup is minimal, which is a huge bonus for busy people. After dinner, instead of dealing with a pile of pots and pans, you’ll only need to clean one pan, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

The Flexibility of the Recipe

This sheet pan salmon dinner is highly customizable. If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, or if you want to mix things up, it’s easy to swap in different vegetables or seasonings. For example, if you’re not a fan of broccoli, you could substitute it with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. If you want to add more color and sweetness, consider using sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes.

You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. While this recipe uses everything bagel seasoning for its crunchy, savory flavor, you could easily switch it out for other spice blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or even a homemade herb mix of rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Aside from being delicious and convenient, this recipe offers numerous health benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation, while the variety of vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The high-protein content in the salmon will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on less healthy foods throughout the day.

Roasting vegetables, as opposed to boiling or steaming them, helps retain their nutrients, making this method of cooking one of the healthiest ways to prepare your side dishes. Plus, using olive oil in moderation adds healthy fats to the dish, which are good for your heart and overall well-being.

A Balanced Meal for All Ages

This dish is great for the whole family. It appeals to both adults and children, as it’s full of familiar flavors and textures. The mild taste of salmon, paired with the crispy vegetables, ensures that even picky eaters will enjoy the meal. It’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or those who follow a gluten-free diet.

For those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, this recipe can easily be adapted by omitting the potatoes and adding more low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.

Conclusion

This sheet pan salmon dinner is the perfect marriage of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe delivers in every way. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also highly versatile and packed with health benefits. The everything bagel seasoning adds a fun twist to the salmon, while the roasted vegetables offer a satisfying and nutritious side. Ideal for meal prep or a family dinner, this sheet pan meal is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner