Lemon Zest & Garlic Bliss Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup asparagus, trimmed - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Salmon fillets are the star of this dish. Each fillet offers a rich flavor and healthy fats. Olive oil adds a smooth texture and a hint of fruitiness. Garlic brings a sharp, aromatic kick. Use fresh garlic, minced finely to release its full taste. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. The zest adds a fragrant note, while the juice gives a tangy punch. Dried oregano and paprika work together to deepen the flavor. Don’t forget the salt and pepper! They help enhance all the other flavors. For a colorful touch, use cherry tomatoes and asparagus. Halved tomatoes add sweetness. Trimmed asparagus gives a nice crunch. Lastly, fresh parsley adds color and freshness as a garnish. These ingredients combine to make a dish that is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. You’ll create a meal that looks good and tastes even better! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and spices. Start by heating your oven. This helps cook the salmon evenly. While it warms up, prepare your marinade. Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the salmon a bright, zesty flavor. - Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet. - Coat the salmon with marinade and arrange vegetables around it. Next, take a large baking sheet. Lay down the salmon fillets in a single layer. Pour half of your lemon garlic mixture over them. Make sure each piece gets a good coat. Now, add cherry tomatoes and asparagus around the salmon. Drizzle the rest of the marinade over the veggies. This step adds flavor and makes the dish look nice. - Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. - Rest and garnish before serving. Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The salmon should flake easily when done. The veggies will become tender too. After baking, take it out and let it sit for 2 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color and taste before serving. How to check salmon doneness? To check salmon doneness, use a fork. Gently press the salmon at the thickest part. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. This means the fish is cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature is 145°F (63°C). This will ensure it’s safe and tasty. Recommended oven temperature tips. Bake your salmon at 400°F (200°C). This temperature cooks the fish evenly. It also helps the veggies roast nicely. If your oven runs hot, check it earlier. Salmon cooks fast, so watch it closely. Making it in advance. You can make the marinade a day ahead. Just mix all the ingredients and store in the fridge. This way, the flavors deepen. It saves you time on busy days. How to adjust for more flavor. Want more zest? Add an extra lemon or some lemon juice. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. You can also try fresh herbs, like dill or thyme, for added flavor. Ideas for serving with side dishes. Pair this dish with rice or quinoa. These grains soak up the lemon sauce nicely. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. A light, green salad adds a nice crunch. Garnishing techniques for presentation. For a beautiful plate, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. You can also add some lemon slices on the side. It makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Salmon: Always opt for the freshest salmon you can find. Look for moist, shiny fillets with a bright color and no fishy smell. Marinate for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the salmon in the lemon garlic mixture for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before cooking. Veggie Variations: Feel free to substitute asparagus and cherry tomatoes with your favorite seasonal vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for a personalized touch. Perfect Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes; if it flakes easily with a fork, it's done! Overcooking can lead to dry salmon. {{image_2}} You can change the fish if you like. Try using trout or cod for a twist. Each fish has its own flavor, but they all pair well with lemon. For veggies, think about using zucchini or bell peppers instead of asparagus. They add color and taste. Seasonal veggies bring freshness, so choose what is available. Want to enhance the taste? Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme. They give a nice touch to the salmon. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. It adds a spicy kick. You can also try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Mixing flavors can make your dish exciting and new. You don’t have to bake; you can use a skillet. Just heat olive oil in the pan. Cook the salmon for about six minutes on each side. This method gives a crispy texture. Grilling is another fun option. Just make sure your grill is hot. It adds a smoky flavor that many people love. Each method gives you a different taste experience. After cooking, let your dish cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salmon fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any bad smell, it's best to throw it out. To freeze salmon fillets, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the salmon for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pan or oven until warmed through. Portion your salmon into single servings. This makes it easy to grab for lunch or dinner. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a full meal. You can also mix it with a fresh salad for a light option. Adding some roasted veggies will make it even better. How long should salmon be cooked at 400°F? Salmon should cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. This short cooking time helps keep the salmon tender and juicy. You can check it at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quick thawing. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual. The flavors will still shine through. What should I serve with One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon? You can serve this dish with rice, quinoa, or a light salad. The salmon pairs well with fresh vegetables. Try a side of steamed broccoli or a mixed green salad for a balanced meal. Is salmon healthy? Yes, salmon is very healthy. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. Salmon also provides protein and important vitamins. Regularly eating salmon can support overall health. How many calories are in One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon? One serving of this dish has about 350 calories. This includes the salmon, veggies, and olive oil. The dish is filling and nutritious, making it a great choice for dinner. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! This recipe is already dairy-free. The olive oil and lemon create a rich flavor without any dairy. You can enjoy it without worry. How to adjust the recipe for a larger group? To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use more salmon fillets and extra veggies. Make sure you have a large enough baking sheet to fit everything. Adjust the cooking time if needed, but check for doneness. This blog post covered a simple, tasty recipe for One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon. You learned how to prepare fresh salmon with vibrant flavors and seasonal veggies. I shared tips for storage, cooking methods, and ingredient swaps to keep it fresh and fun. Cooking should be easy and enjoyable. With this recipe, you can impress your friends and family while enjoying healthy meals. Explore the variations to find your favorite taste. Remember, cooking is all about trying new things!$

Lemon Zest & Garlic Bliss Salmon

A delightful salmon dish infused with lemon zest and garlic, served with cherry tomatoes and asparagus.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons zest and juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup asparagus, trimmed
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
On a large baking sheet, arrange the salmon fillets. Pour half of the lemon garlic mixture over the salmon, making sure it’s well coated.
Surround the salmon with cherry tomatoes and asparagus, drizzling the remaining marinade over the vegetables.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Let the salmon rest before serving for better flavor.

Keyword baked, garlic, healthy, lemon, salmon