Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner

Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner: A One-Pan Wonder for Easy Weeknight Meals

The first time I ever cooked salmon, I was more than a little nervous. I had picked up a beautiful fillet from the farmer’s market, and the lady who sold it to me gave me her favorite recipe: honey, Old Bay, and lemons. I took her advice, followed her instructions, and it was delicious! That simple yet flavorful combination became my go-to salmon recipe for years.

But as I became more comfortable in the kitchen, I started experimenting. That’s how this Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner was born. This recipe takes the classic salmon I fell in love with and elevates it with seasoned butter that ties everything together. It’s easy to prepare, uses just one pan, and is packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a delicious and stress-free dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this sheet pan salmon recipe is your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner

This recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and wholesome. With minimal cleanup, thanks to the silicone baking liners I use (more on those later), you can spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. Plus, the combination of tender salmon, crispy parmesan potatoes, and perfectly roasted asparagus makes it a well-rounded dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Not to mention, this recipe is completely customizable. Don’t like asparagus? Swap it for green beans or broccoli. Prefer sweet potatoes over white? Go for it! The seasoned butter adds a cohesive flavor that makes every bite taste like it belongs.

Essential Tools for a Perfect Sheet Pan Dinner

A good sheet pan is the foundation of this recipe. I recommend using a heavy-duty, non-stick pan that evenly distributes heat, ensuring that your salmon, potatoes, and asparagus cook to perfection. I also swear by my silicone baking liners, which not only make cleanup effortless but also prevent food from sticking to the pan. If you’re ready to elevate your kitchen game, I’ve linked my favorite sheet pan and silicone liners—trust me, they’re game changers.

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful, wholesome meal:

• 24 oz bite-sized potatoes: These get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside.
• 10 oz ready-to-eat asparagus: Perfectly tender and lightly seasoned.
• 1.5 lbs salmon fillets: Packed with omega-3s and rich flavor.
• 3 oz (about 8 tablespoons) seasoned butter: A blend of garlic, parmesan, and basil that ties the dish together.
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a crispy, golden topping to the potatoes.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning.
• 2 lemons: For fresh, zesty flavor.
• 1-2 tablespoons seafood seasoning (Old Bay): A classic choice for salmon.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner

*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page

Step One: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step Two: Prepare the Potatoes

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned butter over one-third of the baking sheet and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Wash and halve the potatoes, then place them cut side down on the parmesan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step Three: Add the Salmon and Asparagus

After the potatoes have baked, add the salmon fillets (skin side down) and the asparagus to the sheet pan.

Step Four: Season and Butter

Melt the remaining seasoned butter in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Brush the butter over the salmon and asparagus. Sprinkle seafood seasoning over the salmon and salt and pepper over the asparagus.

Step Five: Add Lemon Slices

Slice the lemons and place them on top of the salmon and asparagus. The lemons will caramelize slightly during baking, adding even more flavor.

Step Six: Bake to Perfection

Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step Seven: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Why Seasoned Butter Changes the Game

The seasoned butter in this recipe is the secret to tying all the components together. It infuses the salmon with a rich, garlicky flavor, crisps up the potatoes, and adds a subtle herbaceous note to the asparagus. While honey and Old Bay will always have a special place in my heart, this seasoned butter has become my go-to for salmon dinners.

Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Dinner

• Use Evenly Sized Ingredients: Cut your potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your ingredients space to roast properly; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
• Keep an Eye on the Salmon: Depending on the thickness of your fillets, cooking time may vary. Check for doneness at the 18-minute mark.
• Customize Your Veggies: Swap out asparagus for your favorite vegetable, or add a mix for more variety.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This sheet pan salmon recipe is an excellent choice for meal prepping. Simply portion the salmon, potatoes, and asparagus into individual containers, and you’ve got a week’s worth of healthy lunches or dinners ready to go. The flavors hold up well, and a quick reheat in the microwave or oven brings it back to life.