Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus Tomatoes

My neighbor Sarah brought this over during that week we both seemed to be running on fumes. She just handed me the baking sheet still warm from her oven and said trust me. The tomatoes had burst into little pools of sweetness and the salmon was perfectly tender. After that night, this became my go-to when I need dinner to feel like a hug instead of a chore.

Last Tuesday I had exactly 25 minutes between work and my book club meeting. I threw this together while still wearing my coat and somehow ended up with something that looked restaurant-worthy. Everyone assumed I spent way more time cooking than I actually did.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Skinless works beautifully here but if you can only find skin-on just place it skin side down
• Asparagus: Look for bright green spears with tight tips and snap off the woody ends instead of cutting them
• Cherry tomatoes: They turn into little flavor bombs as they roast so grab the sweetest ones you can find
• Olive oil: This carries all the herb flavors so use the good stuff you reserve for special occasions
• Fresh lemon: Both the juice and zest matter here so zest before you squeeze
• Garlic: Mince it fresh because jarred garlic can turn bitter when roasted at high heat
• Dried oregano and thyme: These Mediterranean herbs bloom in the heat and complement the salmon beautifully
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright pop of color and freshness right at the end

Instructions

Preheat and prepare:

Get your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. This small step makes cleanup feel like cheating.

Whisk the marinade:

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The mixture should smell bright and herby.

Prep the vegetables:

Spread asparagus and tomatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with half the marinade and toss everything until coated.

Arrange the salmon:

Place fillets on the sheet leaving space between each piece. Brush the remaining marinade over the tops of the fish.

Roast everything together:

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and vegetables are tender. The tomatoes should be starting to burst.

Finish and serve:

Sprinkle fresh parsley over everything and add lemon wedges to the table. The whole kitchen should smell amazing right about now.

Pin It

This recipe saved me during my first week back at work after maternity leave. I could prep it one-handed during nap time and have dinner ready by the time my husband walked through the door.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap green beans for asparagus or add thinly sliced red onion if I have it in the fridge. The beauty of this template is that you can change the vegetables based on what looks good at the market.

Perfect Timing

Start checking at the 15-minute mark because thinner fillets will cook faster than thick ones. You want the salmon just opaque throughout with no translucent bits at the center.

Serving Ideas

This feels fancy enough for company but is also perfect for solo dinners. I like to serve it with crusty bread to soak up all those pan juices.

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully
• Quinoa or rice makes it more filling if you are extra hungry
• The leftovers are actually delicious cold over salad greens

Pin It

Somehow a sheet pan dinner always feels like less work than it actually is. This recipe has become my weeknight secret weapon.

Recipe FAQs

→ What temperature is best for roasting salmon and vegetables?

Roasting at 400°F (200°C) ensures the salmon cooks evenly while the asparagus and tomatoes become tender and caramelized.

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?

Yes, green beans or broccoli make great substitutes and roast well alongside salmon.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside.

→ Is it necessary to marinate the salmon and vegetables?

The lemon, garlic, and herb marinade adds brightness and depth of flavor, enhancing the natural taste of the ingredients.

→ What sides pair well with this salmon and vegetable dish?

Quinoa, rice, or crusty bread complement the meal, balancing its light and fresh qualities.