Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake

This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is the ultimate easy and healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor! The salmon fillets marinate in a tangy, garlicky sauce and are baked alongside perfectly roasted asparagus and blistered cherry tomatoes, all cooked on one tray in just 11 minutes. It’s a no-mess, quick meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a light weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a total winner: it’s incredibly simple to prepare, requires just a few fresh ingredients, and is bursting with vibrant flavors. The lemon garlic marinade perfectly infuses the salmon with tangy and savory goodness, while the roasted asparagus and tomatoes add the right amount of sweetness and texture to balance the meal. Plus, the whole dish is cooked on one tray, making cleanup a breeze. It’s an ideal recipe when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 x 180g/6 oz salmon fillets (skin on or off, as preferred)

For the Marinade:

• 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 garlic cloves, grated (using a microplane)

• 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Vegetables (optional):

• 3 bunches asparagus, woody ends snapped or trimmed off

• 200g/7 oz cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)

• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Cooking & Serving:

• Olive oil spray

• Parmesan, finely grated

• Lemon wedges or slices (optional)

• Parsley, finely chopped (optional)

• Crusty bread or toast (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper.

• Slather the marinade onto the top and sides of the salmon fillets. If you have time, let the salmon marinate for 1 hour; otherwise, you can proceed with the recipe.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven’s grill/broiler to 280°C/525°F (or as high as your oven allows). Place the oven shelf about 8″ (20 cm) from the heat source.

3. Prepare the Tray:

• Toss the asparagus and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread them out on a large baking tray, leaving some space for the salmon fillets.

• Place the marinated salmon fillets on the tray, ensuring there’s a bit of space between each fillet. Lightly spray the surface of the salmon with olive oil to keep it moist.

4. Cook:

• Grill/broil the salmon and vegetables for 11 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. The flesh should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 50°C/122°F for medium-rare.

5. Serve:

• Transfer the salmon and vegetables to a plate.

• Grate Parmesan over the roasted vegetables, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

• Serve with crusty bread or toast for a complete meal.

6. Enjoy:

• Enjoy your flavorful, healthy, and easy Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake!

Notes:

• The skin will not get crispy in this recipe, so if this bothers you, simply eat the flesh off the skin.

• This recipe works perfectly with trout as a substitute for salmon.

• To avoid burnt lumps, grate the garlic finely for a smoother marinade.

• Asparagus ends naturally break at the point where the woody end starts, so snap them for easy prep.

For the perfect salmon doneness:

• Medium-rare: Pull at 50°C/122°F (will rise to 53°C/127.4°F after resting).

• Medium: Pull at 60°C/140°F (will rise to 63°C/145.4°F after resting).

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 11 minutes

• Total Time: 21 minutes

Variations

• Add Other Vegetables: You can toss other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, onto the tray for more variety.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the marinade for additional flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the texture may not be as great as when freshly baked.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without a broiler?

Yes, you can cook the salmon and vegetables in a regular oven at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Just be sure to check the salmon’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.

2. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, frozen salmon works, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for the best results.

3. Can I skip the Parmesan topping?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the Parmesan topping. The salmon and vegetables are delicious on their own.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any other vegetables you enjoy, like broccoli, cauliflower, or even sweet potatoes, to the tray for extra nutrition.

5. Can I substitute the asparagus with another vegetable?

Yes, you can substitute asparagus with green beans, Brussels sprouts, or any other quick-roasting vegetable of your choice.

6. Can I use a grill instead of the oven?

Yes, you can grill the salmon and vegetables on an outdoor grill. Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking the fish.

7. How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 50°C/122°F for medium-rare, or 60°C/140°F for medium.

8. Can I add more garlic to the marinade?

If you’re a fan of garlic, feel free to increase the amount of grated garlic in the marinade to suit your taste.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the salmon a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its tender salmon, roasted asparagus, and blistered tomatoes, it’s an easy and delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s low-maintenance, requiring just one tray and 11 minutes of cooking time—perfect for a busy day when you want a nutritious meal without the hassle!

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