This Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli is a complete meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are coated in a luscious lemon butter sauce, then roasted alongside crispy potatoes and perfectly cooked broccoli. Every bite delivers a balance of bright citrus, savory richness, and comforting texture. I once made this dish with a sprinkle of garlic powder and smoked paprika over the salmon — it added just the right hint of depth and warmth. Best of all, it all comes together on one pan, making cleanup effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of easy elegance — simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. The lemon butter sauce infuses the salmon and vegetables with freshness, while roasting ensures everything develops beautiful color and texture. It’s a wholesome, well-balanced dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender salmon, crisp-edged potatoes, and caramelized broccoli feels like a gourmet meal, yet it’s ready in under 40 minutes.
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Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli: A Bright, Flavorful One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bright and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender lemon butter salmon, crispy roasted potatoes, and perfectly seasoned broccoli — an easy, wholesome dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices and fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a bowl, toss halved potatoes with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in another bowl, toss broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and thyme.
- After 15 minutes, push the potatoes to one side of the baking sheet and add the broccoli.
- Place salmon fillets on the other side of the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining olive oil, and honey (if using). Drizzle over the salmon and vegetables.
- Return to the oven and roast for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and potatoes are golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the salmon and vegetables for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Use asparagus or green beans instead of broccoli for variation.
- Salmon can be swapped with trout or halibut.
- Perfect as a light, protein-rich weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillets
Rich, tender, and full of healthy omega-3s — the star of the dish. Use fresh or thawed fillets with skin on for the best flavor.
Baby potatoes
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they add a comforting, hearty element to the meal.
Broccoli florets
Roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, bringing a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Butter
Creates the base of the sauce, adding rich flavor and silky texture.
Olive oil
Helps the potatoes and broccoli roast evenly and enhances flavor.
Lemon juice and zest
Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic depth to the butter sauce and the roasted veggies.
Salt and black pepper
Seasoning essentials to balance all the flavors.
Paprika (optional)
Adds subtle smokiness and enhances the color of the salmon.
Fresh parsley
A sprinkle at the end for freshness and color.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the potatoes: Cut baby potatoes in half and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Spread them on the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the lemon butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Set aside.
- Add the broccoli and salmon: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side and add the broccoli florets. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss.
- Place the salmon fillets on the other side of the pan. Brush each fillet generously with the lemon butter sauce and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Roast everything together: Return to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender and golden.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce over the salmon and vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, just until warm. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist. This dish can also be enjoyed cold over a salad for a light, refreshing lunch.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic Herb Version – Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for extra aroma.
Honey Lemon Glaze – Mix honey into the lemon butter for a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish.
Spicy Kick – Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for subtle heat.
Parmesan Broccoli – Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the broccoli before roasting for a cheesy crust.
Dijon Butter Sauce – Whisk a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the butter for tangy complexity.
Mediterranean Twist – Add cherry tomatoes and olives to the sheet pan for color and freshness.
Garlic Potato Lovers – Toss the potatoes with garlic powder and Italian herbs before roasting.
Asparagus Swap – Substitute the broccoli with asparagus or green beans for a spring-inspired version.
Citrus Medley – Use a mix of lemon and orange zest for a sweet-tart citrus burst.
Pesto Drizzle – Top the roasted salmon with a spoonful of basil pesto before serving for a vibrant finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for even roasting.
Can I use another type of fish?
Absolutely — trout, cod, or halibut work wonderfully with lemon butter.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use larger potatoes?
Yes, just cut them into 1-inch cubes for faster, even roasting.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, sear the salmon in a skillet and roast the veggies separately.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely — carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are great additions.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the lemon butter can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.
What side dishes pair well with this?
It’s a full meal on its own, but a light green salad or garlic bread complements it beautifully.
How can I make it extra crispy?
Finish under the broiler for 2 minutes for crispy salmon edges and extra caramelized veggies.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli is everything you want in a one-pan dinner — simple, balanced, and bursting with flavor. The rich, buttery salmon melts in your mouth, the potatoes are perfectly crisp, and the broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious touch. With its bright lemon flavor and easy preparation, this dish turns an ordinary evening into something special. Quick, wholesome, and absolutely delicious — it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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