If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances bright flavors with comforting textures, the Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe is a total winner. Imagine flaky, tender salmon glazed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, paired with crispy golden potatoes and vibrant, roasted broccoli. This meal is not only stunning on the plate but also incredibly easy to make, making it the ultimate go-to recipe when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this combo, it will become one of your favorite weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a meaningful role — from the rich butter that adds depth to the salmon, to the fresh lemon juice that brightens every bite, and the herbs that bring a warm, earthy aroma to the roasted potatoes and broccoli. These basic but thoughtfully paired ingredients work in harmony to create an unforgettable meal.
- Salmon fillets: Use fresh, quality 6 oz fillets for juicy, tender results.
- Butter: Melted to create a silky lemon butter sauce that coats the salmon perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Provides subtle warmth and depth to both the salmon and potatoes.
- Dried parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the lemon butter mix.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Potatoes: Diced medium-sized for the ideal crispiness and tender inside.
- Olive oil: Coats the potatoes and broccoli for that perfect roasting finish.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness to the potatoes that pairs amazingly with salmon.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, adding color and nutrition to the plate.
How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key for achieving crispy potatoes and perfectly cooked salmon in one go. This ensures everything cooks evenly and comes together in about the same time, making your cooking experience smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer—this helps them roast evenly and get that golden, crispy crust we all love. Roast them for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides develop that beautiful golden color.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
While your potatoes are roasting, blend the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. This simple lemon butter mixture is going to infuse the salmon with bright, buttery goodness. Place the salmon fillets on a separate lined baking sheet, then brush them generously with the lemon butter sauce, making sure every inch is coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Roast the Salmon
Once the potatoes have been in the oven for 15 minutes, pop the salmon in alongside them. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork—this is the perfect indicator that it’s tender and cooked just right. The lemon butter sauce will bubble and caramelize slightly, creating a deliciously glossy finish.
Step 5: Prepare the Broccoli
While everything is cooking, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add them to the baking sheet with the potatoes or on a separate tray during the last 10 minutes of roasting. This timing ensures the broccoli becomes tender yet retains a lovely bite and vibrant green color, perfectly complementing the salmon and potatoes.
Step 6: Serve
Once all components are cooked, arrange the salmon fillets on plates and serve with generous portions of roasted potatoes and broccoli. Don’t forget to spoon any extra lemon butter sauce left on the baking sheet over the salmon for that extra burst of flavor that makes this Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over your salmon and vegetables. A light zesting of lemon rind adds a fragrant lift that complements the lemon butter beautifully. These simple garnishes take your dish from fantastic to truly restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
If you want to add a bit more to the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the salmon and potatoes. Alternatively, steamed asparagus or a tangy cucumber salad can introduce a refreshing crunch and variety in textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salmon fillets atop a bed of roasted potatoes and broccoli for a rustic, family-style presentation. Or arrange everything neatly on individual plates with a drizzle of the lemon butter sauce artistically swirled around. For a casual gathering, use a large wooden board to spread everything out, inviting guests to help themselves and making the meal feel warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salmon is best enjoyed cold or gently reheated to maintain moisture, while the roasted potatoes and broccoli hold up well to chilling.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best done with just the roasted potatoes and broccoli as salmon tends to lose texture when frozen and thawed. Freeze the vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a 300°F oven on a baking sheet until warmed through to keep the crispy texture on potatoes. For salmon, warming in short intervals in the microwave with a cover or in the oven wrapped in foil prevents it from drying out. Avoid overcooking as salmon can become tough quickly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! While salmon is ideal for its rich flavor and texture, you can swap in trout, cod, or halibut. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner fish may cook faster.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The dish will still be flavorful, though the texture of the sauce will be slightly different.
What’s the best way to check if salmon is done?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque center. Overcooking dries it out, so keep a close eye after the 12-minute mark.
Can I roast the broccoli for longer or do it separately?
Yes, you can roast broccoli longer if you prefer it crispier or slightly charred. Roasting it separately also allows you to control its texture independently from the potatoes and salmon.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe delivers incredible flavor with straightforward steps that fit perfectly into any busy weeknight or relaxed weekend dinner. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but nourishes and delights every bite. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of those dishes you love to make again and again!
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Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli is a flavorful and wholesome meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are brushed with a zesty lemon butter sauce and oven-roasted alongside crispy seasoned potatoes and tender broccoli florets. This one-pan dish combines bright, fresh flavors with easy preparation to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes, salmon, and broccoli at a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and become golden and crispy. Place in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Prepare the Salmon: While the potatoes roast, combine melted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the lemon butter sauce. Place the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet and brush them generously with the lemon butter mixture to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Roast the Salmon: After the potatoes have been cooking for 15 minutes, place the salmon fillets in the oven. Continue baking the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Broccoli: While the salmon and potatoes cook, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. In the last 10 minutes of the potatoes roasting, add the broccoli to the same baking sheet or to a separate sheet and return to the oven to roast until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Once everything is cooked, arrange the lemon butter salmon fillets on plates alongside the roasted potatoes and broccoli. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish warm and fresh.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure to spread the potatoes in a single, even layer without crowding.
- You can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme if preferred; use about 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
- If you like a more intense lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the butter sauce.
- Use skin-on salmon if you prefer; cook time may vary slightly.
- To save time, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead and brush it on just before roasting.
