Name: One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each); 3 medium zucchini (sliced into rounds or half-moons); 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lemon (sliced into thin rounds); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild warmth); Salt and black pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish); 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness; Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick; Parmesan cheese for topping zucchini

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Fresh, zesty, and incredibly easy this One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini is the kind of dinner you’ll want on repeat.
If you’re craving a light, healthy, and flavor-packed meal that comes together with almost no effort, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite.

Imagine perfectly flaky salmon brushed with lemony garlic butter, infused with fragrant herbs, and roasted until tender and juicy. Alongside it, zucchini slices caramelize beautifully in the pan, soaking up all those citrusy, garlicky juices for a bright, savory side that tastes anything but boring.

Everything cooks on one sheet pan, so you get bold, restaurant quality flavor with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or elegant dinners when you want something impressive without the stress. Naturally low carb, gluten free, and packed with protein, this vibrant dish is as nutritious as it is delicious and totally Pinterest worthy with its fresh colors and clean ingredients.

Lemon Herb Salmon with Zucchini Noodles

What is One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini?

One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini is a simple sheet pan meal where salmon fillets and zucchini slices are roasted together with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs. The result is a balanced, flavorful dinner that requires only one pan and about 20 minutes of cooking time.

This style of cooking sheet pan meals has become popular for busy home cooks because everything cooks simultaneously, flavors mingle beautifully, and cleanup is minimal. The lemon and herbs give the dish a Mediterranean inspired freshness, while the salmon provides rich, satisfying protein.

Unlike heavy creamy salmon dishes, this version is light, bright, and perfect for everyday dinners, meal prep, or even a casual dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pan, no mess: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Healthy and balanced: High in protein, omega-3 fats, and fresh veggies.
Fast and easy: Ready in about 20–25 minutes from start to finish.
Fresh, vibrant flavors: Lemon, garlic, and herbs make it taste restaurant-quality.
Meal prep friendly: Great for lunches and leftovers throughout the week.

How This Recipe Works

High-heat roasting: Roasting at a high temperature keeps the salmon juicy while caramelizing the zucchini.
Lemon and herbs infuse flavor: Citrus and herbs penetrate the salmon and vegetables for bright, fresh taste.
Olive oil protects moisture: A light coating of oil prevents dryness and helps herbs stick.
Even spacing on the pan: Spreading ingredients out ensures roasting instead of steaming.

Ingredients

For the Salmon and Zucchini

4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
3 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds or half-moons
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild warmth)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Optional Add-Ons

1 tablespoon butter for extra richness
Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Parmesan cheese for topping zucchini

Ingredient Substitutions

Zucchini: Swap with asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes.
Salmon: Use cod, tilapia, trout, or shrimp if preferred.
Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, or dill work beautifully.
Oil: Avocado oil or melted butter can replace olive oil.

Close-up of lemon herb salmon and zucchini with fresh herbs — Look at that juicy lemon herb salmon with fresh herbs and zucchini

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Zucchini

Place the sliced zucchini on the sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything to coat evenly, then spread the zucchini into a single layer.

3. Add the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the pan among the zucchini. Brush the salmon with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Add Lemon

Place lemon slices on top of the salmon and scatter a few among the zucchini. Drizzle lemon juice over the salmon for extra brightness.

5. Roast

Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–55°C) for medium doneness.

6. Optional Broil

For a lightly golden finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill, and add a small pat of butter on the salmon if desired. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

Garlic butter version: Melt butter with garlic and lemon juice, then brush over salmon before baking.
Mediterranean twist: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese after roasting.
Asian-inspired: Swap herbs for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, and finish with green onions.
Spicy lemon salmon: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
Crispy zucchini: Sprinkle zucchini with a little Parmesan and breadcrumbs before roasting.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead

You can slice the zucchini and season everything up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

Salmon and zucchini can be frozen after cooking, but the texture of zucchini may soften. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

One pan lemon herb salmon and zucchini served on a plate — Serve this lemon herb salmon with rice or salad for a healthy meal 🥗

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous
Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Crusty bread to soak up the lemony juices

For a complete meal, serve it alongside light recipes like Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta or Easy Croffle Recipe (Croissant Waffles) for a balanced brunch or dinner spread.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 350–420
Protein: 30–35g
Fat: 22–28g
Carbohydrates: 6–10g

These values may vary depending on portion size and added butter or cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan: Zucchini will steam instead of roast if packed too tightly. Use two pans if needed.
Overcooking salmon: Salmon dries out quickly. Check for flakiness and remove early if needed.
Skipping oil: A light coating of oil keeps everything juicy and prevents sticking.
Not drying the salmon: Moisture on the surface prevents proper roasting.
Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking for best texture.

How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque. An internal temperature of 125–130°F is ideal for juicy salmon.

Can I cook this on the grill?
Absolutely. Use a grill-safe pan or foil and cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli all work great.

Conclusion

One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini is the ultimate easy, healthy dinner that feels elegant but requires almost no effort. With fresh lemon, fragrant herbs, and juicy salmon, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

“If you love easy dinners like Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta or Baked Lemon Butter Cod (25-Minutes), this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.”

Pin this One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini recipe for a fresh, healthy dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes and tastes like a restaurant meal!

One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini

This One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Zucchini is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dinner made with flaky salmon, tender zucchini, and bright lemon-herb seasoning. It’s quick, low-carb, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal