Baked Salmon Roasted Vegetables

The way those cherry tomatoes burst in the oven, releasing their sweet juices over everything else, that's what makes this dish sing. I stumbled onto this combination on a Tuesday when I needed something nourishing but had zero energy for multiple pans. Now it's my go-to when I want dinner to feel special without actually trying hard.

Last Friday my sister was over, exhausted from work, and I threw this together while we caught up. She literally stopped mid sentence when she took that first bite, the lemon cutting through the rich salmon and the sweet peppers doing their thing. That's the moment this went from weeknight dinner to the meal I make for people I actually care about impressing.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: The skin helps keep everything moist during baking, but go skinless if that's your preference
• Olive oil: This is your flavor carrier so use the good stuff, it makes a real difference here
• Lemon: Fresh slices on top plus wedges for serving create this bright acid balance that cuts through the richness
• Garlic powder: Distributes more evenly than fresh garlic would in this quick cook situation
• Bell peppers: Both colors look stunning together but honestly use whatever looks best at the market
• Zucchini: Slice it not too thin or it'll disappear, not too thick or it stays crunchy
• Red onion: Wedges hold their shape better than rings and get these sweet caramelized edges
• Cherry tomatoes: They're the MVP that creates this incredible sauce right on the pan
• Italian herbs: Dried works perfectly here since they'll bloom in the hot oven
• Fresh parsley: That final hit of freshness makes the whole thing feel complete

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Crank it to 200°C and line your biggest baking sheet with parchment, trust me you'll thank yourself later

Prep the vegetables:

Pile those sliced peppers, zucchini wedges, onion pieces, and halved tomatoes on one side, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your herbs and seasoning

Season the salmon:

Pat the fillets completely dry, place them on the other side of the tray, brush with oil and hit them with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and those lemon slices

Bake it all together:

Let everything roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the salmon flakes apart with the slightest pressure and those vegetables have some golden spots

Finish and serve:

Scatter fresh parsley over everything and put extra lemon wedges on the table for squeezing

Save

My neighbor smelled this through our shared wall and knocked on my door thinking I'd ordered from somewhere fancy. The look on her face when I showed her the simple tray of vegetables and fish was absolutely priceless. Sometimes the best food is just letting ingredients do what they're supposed to do.

Making It Your Own

Swap in whatever vegetables speak to you at the grocery store, asparagus and broccoli work beautifully here too. The technique stays the same and you get to discover new favorite combinations.

Serving Ideas

This needs nothing more than maybe some crusty bread to soak up those pan juices. But if you want to make it feel extra fancy, a crisp white wine cuts through the richness perfectly.

Quick Additions

Sometimes I crumble feta over everything right before serving for this salty tang that takes it over the top. Other times a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates this restaurant worthy finish.

• Asparagus makes a great spring substitute
• Feta or goat cheese add a lovely creaminess
• Balsamic glaze creates beautiful contrast

Save

Simple enough for Tuesday but impressive enough for Saturday, and that's exactly the kind of dinner worth keeping in your back pocket.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use skin-on salmon fillets?

Yes, skin-on salmon works well and helps keep the fillets moist during baking. You can also use skinless if preferred.

→ What vegetables work best with this dish?

Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes provide a flavorful mix, but you can also substitute with asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.

→ Is there a way to enhance the flavor before baking?

Drizzling olive oil and sprinkling dried Italian herbs and garlic powder evenly over the ingredients helps deepen the flavors while baking.

→ How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon flakes easily with a fork when fully cooked and appears opaque throughout, which usually takes about 20–25 minutes at 200°C (400°F).

→ What garnishes complement this salmon and vegetable mix?

Fresh parsley adds a bright touch, and lemon wedges provide a refreshing citrus note when served alongside the dish.