Butter Herb Salmon with Veggies

Introduction

Butter Herb Salmon with Veggies is a simple yet luxurious one-pan meal that combines tender, flaky salmon with colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables, all coated in a rich, flavorful butter-herb sauce. This recipe elevates weeknight dinners with minimal effort while delivering restaurant-quality taste. The butter melts into a silky, herb-infused glaze that enhances the natural flavor of the salmon, while the roasted vegetables absorb the aromatic flavors for a perfectly balanced dish.

Ideal for a healthy, satisfying dinner, this recipe is both wholesome and indulgent. It’s quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for families or entertaining guests.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, flavorful, and effortless. The combination of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs makes the salmon rich and savory, while the vegetables provide freshness, color, and texture. It’s a wholesome meal that comes together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup without sacrificing taste. Every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Balanced and nutritious: Protein, healthy fats, and vegetables all in one.
• One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.

This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves buttery, flavorful salmon with tender roasted veggies.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Cuisine: American / European-inspired

Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

For the Butter Herb Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)

For the Veggies:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup baby carrots or sliced carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare butter herb sauce by melting butter and mixing in garlic, herbs, and lemon.
5. Place salmon on baking sheet with veggies, brush with sauce.
6. Roast for 12–15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and veggies are tender.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper. Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet among the vegetables.

Step 4: Make the Butter Herb Sauce

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest if using. Mix well.

Step 5: Apply Sauce

Brush or drizzle the butter herb sauce generously over the salmon fillets. Optionally, toss a little sauce over the vegetables for extra flavor.

Step 6: Roast

Roast in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are tender-crisp. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer salmon and vegetables to plates. Drizzle with any remaining butter herb sauce and garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon slices.

How to Serve

• Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Pair with a side salad for extra freshness.
• Drizzle with additional lemon juice or a light cream sauce for extra flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh herbs for best flavor; dried herbs work in a pinch.
• Pat salmon dry to help the butter sauce stick and caramelize.
• Avoid overcooking salmon — it should remain slightly pink in the center.
• Arrange vegetables in a single layer for even roasting.
• For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce before roasting.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon: Add extra lemon juice and garlic to the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor.
2. Spicy Herb Salmon: Add red pepper flakes or paprika to the butter sauce.
3. Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and zucchini for a Mediterranean twist.
4. One-Pan Meal: Include potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the vegetables.
5. Low-Carb Version: Serve without rice or potatoes, using only vegetables as sides.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftover salmon and vegetables in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months; vegetables are best fresh.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for butter sauce
• Basting brush for sauce
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw completely before roasting for even cooking.

Q2: Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Asparagus, green beans, or cauliflower work well.

Q3: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, sear salmon in a skillet and sauté vegetables separately, then combine with butter herb sauce.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Q5: Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop vegetables and make the butter herb sauce in advance, but assemble and roast just before serving.

Conclusion

Butter Herb Salmon with Veggies is a delicious, nutritious, and visually appealing one-pan meal. The rich butter-herb sauce complements the tender salmon and roasted vegetables perfectly, creating a balanced, wholesome dish. Quick, easy, and versatile, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, it’s a must-try recipe for salmon lovers seeking a flavorful, healthy, and elegant dinner.