When the clock is ticking and dinner needs to happen fast, this salmon and broccoli sheet pan dinner is a quiet hero in the kitchen. It’s one of those meals where you throw everything on a single pan, slide it into the oven, and then realize you have time to breathe or maybe sneak in a quick scroll through your phone. The scent of garlic mingling with lemon zest fills the air, hinting at what’s to come. There’s something so satisfying about the way the salmon gently flakes apart when it’s done, while the broccoli gets those little crispy edges that make you want to eat it straight off the pan.
I remember the first time I made this — I was juggling a few things, and honestly, I threw the broccoli on unevenly, so some parts were crispier than others. Not perfect, but it made for a fun mix of textures that evening. The lemon juice squeezed over the top at the end brought everything together just right, even if I was a little distracted and forgot to zest all the lemon. Somehow, it still felt like a small victory in a hectic day.
- It’s quick and mostly hands-off, which means less mess and more time for yourself.
- The flavors are bright but simple — garlic, lemon, and just a hint of paprika.
- This meal balances health and comfort without feeling like a compromise.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point, especially on busy nights.
If you’re worried about the timing or the oven space, I usually find a sheet pan just fits perfectly in mine, but sometimes I have to nudge it around a bit. No big deal. This dinner feels flexible more than anything else.
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Salmon and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A simple and healthy sheet pan dinner featuring tender salmon fillets and roasted broccoli, seasoned with garlic and lemon for a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
1 pound broccoli florets, washed and dried
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, half of the lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
Spread the broccoli in a single layer on one side of the prepared sheet pan.
Place the salmon fillets on the other side of the sheet pan, skin side down.
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the salmon fillets.
Sprinkle the salmon with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, paprika, and the rest of the lemon zest.
Squeeze the juice of half the lemon evenly over both the salmon and broccoli.
Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the broccoli is tender and slightly browned.
Remove from oven and squeeze the remaining half of the lemon juice over the salmon and broccoli before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
For this dish, you don’t need anything fancy—just a sturdy sheet pan and some parchment or a light brush of oil to keep things from sticking. Serving it with a wedge of extra lemon or a side of crusty bread can turn it into a casual, satisfying meal. Sometimes, I swap the broccoli for asparagus or add a sprinkle of parmesan on top, though I haven’t tested all of these variations thoroughly, so your mileage may vary. A pinch of chili flakes can bring a little unexpected warmth if you’re in the mood.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli? Fresh is best for roasting, but if frozen is what you have, just thaw and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have paprika? The paprika adds a smoky touch, but you can skip it or use a dash of cumin instead.
How do I know when the salmon is done? It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center.
Can I prep this ahead of time? You can toss the broccoli with oil and seasonings earlier in the day, but keep the salmon separate until you’re ready to cook.
When you’re ready to make dinner feel a little less like a chore, this sheet pan meal is waiting to help. Give it a try and see how a simple combination can make your evening just that little bit better.