Easy Sheet Pan Salmon with Greens

Let’s be real — after a long day, the last thing you want to do is stand over multiple pans, stir three things at once and face an Everest of washing up afterwards. That’s where this sheet pan salmon with greens impresses as a weeknight staple. It’s simple, nourishing, and pleasantly quick to throw together — the kind of dish that punches way above its weight in flavour and effort.

It requires little prep, and there’s just one tray to clean, making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want to feel as though you’ve made a proper dinner. And since it takes under 15 minutes in the oven, it definitely counts as one of those go-to 15-minute meals you can have at the ready for frantic days.

Why Sheet Pan Meals Deserve the Hype

The concept of the sheet pan dinner is beautifully straightforward: you arrange your ingredients on a baking tray, roast everything together, and end up with a balanced, satisfying meal. No faffing, no fancy techniques—just good food, cooked smartly.

Salmon, in particular, is made for this style of cooking. It roasts quickly, absorbs flavour effortlessly, and pairs brilliantly with a whole host of vegetables. The high-heat environment of the oven crisps the skin (if you leave it on), keeps the flesh moist, and brings out the best in your chosen sides. It’s a fast fish dinner that’s easy to tweak, scale up, or dress up depending on your mood or who you’re feeding.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the salmon:

• 2–3 skin-on or skinless salmon fillets (roughly 150g each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Zest of half a lemon
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper
• Optional: a pinch of chilli flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick

For the greens:

• 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
• A generous handful of kale or spinach
• 100g green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional extras:

• Lemon wedges, for serving
• A dollop of Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche
• A scattering of toasted almonds or sesame seeds for added texture

Tip: Don’t hesitate to substitute the vegetables for what’s already in your fridge—this recipe is as flexible as it is forgiving.

Method

Step 1:

Preheat your oven. Set the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) or 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil to make clean-up even easier.

Step 2:

Season the salmon. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mustard, lemon zest, and seasoning. Place the salmon fillets on one half of the baking tray and brush the glaze over the top, allowing it to coat each piece evenly.

Step 3:

Prepare the greens. Toss the broccoli, kale, and green beans in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then scatter them on the remaining half of the tray. Try not to overcrowd—spaced-out vegetables roast rather than steam.

Step 4:

Roast. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. You’re aiming for cooked-through fish that still flakes easily with a fork, and vegetables that are tender with just enough bite.

Step 5:

Serve the Plate everything up as it is or accompany it with a spoonful of yoghurt and a wedge of lemon. For a slightly more substantial meal, consider serving it over a bed of couscous, quinoa, or lightly dressed salad leaves.

Key Tips for Making It Perfect Every Time

Want flawless salmon and crisp greens every time? Follow these simple tips for cooking success.

1. Choose Quality Salmon

Choose wild-caught whenever you’re able — it’s leaner and has a more robust flavour. If farmed, choose sustainable varieties with certifications such as ASC or MSC. Choose fillets that have a bright colour, a firm texture and smell fresh.

2. Preheat That Oven

Get your oven heated up — 200°C (fan) or 220°C (conventional). A preheated oven helps roast evenly, allowing your salmon to stay moist on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside.

3. Use Parchment Paper

Lining your tray with parchment paper allows for non-stick cooking and speeds up the clean-up process. And it shields the salmon skin and prevents juices from burning in the pan.

4. Season Smartly

Salmon is naturally rich and flavourful, so little goes a long way. A classic combo is olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Another experiment: Add some fresh dill, thyme or smoked paprika.

What Makes This Dish Work

It’s a rare thing when a recipe manages to be convenient, nourishing, and packed with flavour, but this one hits all three. The mustard and lemon add zing to the salmon without overpowering it, while the greens roast to a sweet and nutty finish. It’s hearty without being heavy and health-conscious without feeling remotely spartan.

And the best part? Everything’s done in one tray, making this an ideal choice for anyone seeking a fast fish dinner that doesn’t require a kitchen full of tools or ingredients.

Switch It Up: Variations and Substitutions

One of the reasons this recipe earns repeat status is how endlessly adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to tailor it to your taste or what’s left in the fridge:

• Veg swaps: Try asparagus, courgette, sweet potato cubes, or red onion wedges.
• New flavours: Replace the mustard glaze with miso and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired take.
• Add grains: Serve the dish over brown rice, couscous, or orzo tossed with herbs.
• Extra crunch: Top with crushed walnuts or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
• Different protein: Use trout fillets, cod, or even tofu if you want to keep it pescatarian or plant-based.

The base method stays the same—just adjust roasting times based on the ingredient.

Make It Work for Your Schedule

If weeknight dinners are a tight squeeze, a bit of prep can go a long way:

• Marinate ahead: Coat the salmon in the glaze in the morning, refrigerate, and it’s ready to go by dinnertime.
• Pre-chop veg: Most raw greens will hold up just fine if prepped 24 hours ahead.
• Batch cook: Roast double the quantity and use leftovers in wraps or salads the next day.

This sort of light, structured prep can make 15-minute meals feel even more effortless.

Nutritional Snapshot

This tray bake is as balanced as it is tasty:

• Protein: Salmon offers a generous dose of lean protein plus heart-healthy omega-3s.
• Fibre: Dark green vegetables like broccoli and kale support digestion and provide essential nutrients.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil and salmon provide a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Low-carb option: If you skip the grains, this is a low-carb, high-protein dinner ideal for lighter evenings.

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages

One-pan recipes like this are perfect for households with varied preferences:

• Kids: You can skip the mustard glaze or use a simple lemon and herb mix.
• Picky eaters: Stick to plainer veg like carrots or potatoes.
• Bigger appetites: Serve with crusty bread, grains, or roasted potatoes on the side.

The key is that everything cooks on one tray, so you’re not adding extra dishes even if you tweak ingredients.

Conclusion: The Dinner You Didn’t Know You Needed

This easy sheet pan salmon with greens is a dinner you can turn to when you’re tired, hungry, and still want to eat well. It’s fast, nutritious, and doesn’t require anything fancy. It’s the weeknight equivalent of a deep breath—a moment of calm, colour, and care at the end of a busy day.

When it comes to 15-minute meals, this one is proof that fast doesn’t mean flavourless—and healthy doesn’t have to be hard. With a handful of good ingredients and one trusty tray, you’ve got everything you need to serve a dinner that feels a bit like winning.