Lemon Butter Salmon With Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe

Zesty Lemon Butter Salmon With Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe

Crafting a delectable lemon butter salmon that dances with vibrant flavors promises an epicurean adventure you’ll absolutely adore.

Bright citrus notes complement the rich, flaky fish perfectly.

Succulent salmon meets crispy roasted potatoes in a harmonious culinary symphony.

Broccoli adds a verdant crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a meal both elegant and approachable for weeknight dinners.

Fresh herbs and simple techniques make this recipe shine with minimal effort.

Experience a restaurant-quality plate without complex cooking skills – this salmon will become your new favorite weeknight star.

Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Goodness

  • Quick Meal Magic: Craft a delicious dinner with minimal steps and maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without complicated techniques.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from salmon, fiber from broccoli, and complex carbohydrates from potatoes, this meal delivers balanced nutrition in one simple pan.
  • Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making it a flexible recipe for different palates and dietary needs.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve professional-level cooking with basic kitchen skills, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-style meal that looks and tastes impressive.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner

For the Proteins:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon providing the main protein source with a delicate and rich flavor profile.
For the Produce:
  • Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable adding texture and health benefits to the dish.
  • Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that creates a tangy sauce and enhances the salmon's flavor.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a light, herbal finish.
For the Pantry and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Essential cooking fats for roasting vegetables and creating a smooth sauce.
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide depth and enhance overall taste.

How to Cook Lemon Butter Salmon and Veggies

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Space

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) to get things rolling.

Step 2: Transform Potatoes into Crispy Goodness

Toss diced potatoes with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Spread potatoes evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway to ensure golden, crunchy edges.

Step 3: Bring Broccoli to Life

Scatter broccoli florets on the same baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper.

Roast alongside potatoes for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

Step 4: Sear Salmon to Perfection

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Place salmon fillets in the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden and fully cooked.

Step 5: Create Vibrant Lemon Sauce

Once salmon is done, squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Add lemon zest and swirl to create a bright, tangy butter sauce.

Step 6: Plate Your Culinary Masterpiece

Arrange salmon fillets on a plate with crispy potatoes and roasted broccoli. Drizzle the zesty lemon butter sauce over the fish.

Sprinkle chopped parsley for a final fresh touch.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Salmon Dinner

  • Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized cubes to ensure even roasting and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
  • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture, helping create a perfectly crisp exterior when seared.
  • Let salmon rest in the lemon butter sauce for a minute after cooking to absorb the tangy, rich flavors and enhance overall taste.
  • Replace butter with olive oil or use a light butter alternative to reduce saturated fat while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
  • Use a fork to gently flake the salmon – it should be opaque and easily separate when fully cooked, preventing dry or undercooked fish.

Variations on Lemon Butter Salmon Dish

  • Herb-Crusted Salmon: Coat salmon with a mix of chopped fresh dill, parsley, and thyme before pan-searing for an aromatic herbal version.
  • Mediterranean Style: Top salmon with chopped kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes after cooking to create a Greek-inspired meal.
  • Spicy Cajun Salmon: Rub salmon with Cajun seasoning before cooking, adding a bold and zesty kick to the original recipe.
  • Asian Fusion Salmon: Glaze salmon with a teriyaki sauce and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an East Asian flavor profile.

Pairings That Work with Salmon, Potatoes, and Broccoli

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salmon's delicate flavor and cut through the richness of the lemon butter sauce.
  • Craft Herb Accompaniment: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives over the dish to add a bright, aromatic element that enhances the lemon and salmon's natural flavors, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Balance Side Dish Texture: Create a creamy element like a quick garlic aioli or herbed yogurt sauce to contrast with the crispy roasted potatoes and provide a smooth, tangy counterpoint to the salmon.
  • Refresh with Citrus Drink: Prepare a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water with a splash of citrus to mirror the lemon notes in the dish and cleanse the palate between bites.

Proper Storage for Lemon Butter Salmon Meal

  • Store leftover salmon, potatoes, and broccoli in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these dishes will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions of salmon and vegetables tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen leftovers maintain quality for up to 2 months.
  • Restore crispy texture by preheating oven to 350F. Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon or high-quality farm-raised salmon like Atlantic or King salmon are ideal. Look for fresh, bright-colored fillets with firm texture and no strong fishy smell.

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

The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and turns from translucent to opaque pink. Internal temperature should reach 145°F. Cooking time is typically 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness.

  • Can I substitute the butter in the sauce?

Yes, you can use ghee for a lactose-free option or olive oil for a lighter sauce. Each substitution will slightly change the flavor profile but still provide a delicious result.

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Lemon Butter Salmon With Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe

Lemon Butter Salmon With Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent lemon butter salmon dances with crispy roasted potatoes and tender broccoli, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Delicate fish meets zesty citrus, promising a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets

Cooking Fats and Oils:

  • 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Citrus and Herbs:

  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Potatoes:

  • 4 medium potatoes, diced

Seasoning:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Vegetables:

  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400F (200C) for optimal roasting conditions.
  2. Coat diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings. Arrange potatoes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to promote crispy edges.
  3. Distribute broccoli florets around the potatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve uniform golden color and tender texture.
  4. While vegetables roast, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
  5. Carefully place salmon fillets in the skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Maintain moderate heat to prevent burning.
  6. After removing salmon, deglaze the skillet by adding fresh lemon juice and zest, swirling to create a vibrant, tangy butter sauce that captures the skillet’s flavorful remnants.
  7. Transfer roasted potatoes and broccoli to serving plates, placing salmon fillets alongside. Generously drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the fish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture, ensuring it’s firm and has a bright, clean smell.
  • Pat salmon dry before cooking to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
  • Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness, aiming for a flaky, just-cooked center that’s moist and tender.
  • Experiment with herb variations like dill or thyme in the lemon butter sauce for added depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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