Mediterranean Life-Change Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli
Introduction
This Mediterranean-style salmon dish is a true life-changer: juicy, tender salmon fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce, paired with crispy golden potatoes and roasted broccoli. It’s a one-pan meal that balances healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber-rich veggies, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients (serves 4)
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice & zest of 1 large lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Potatoes & Broccoli:
1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Crispy potatoes:
Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
Add broccoli:
Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add to the sheet with the potatoes and roast for another 10 minutes.
Make lemon butter sauce:
In a bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice & zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add salmon:
Push veggies to the sides of the tray and place salmon fillets in the center.
Spoon lemon butter sauce over each fillet.
Finish roasting:
Return tray to oven and roast for 12–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and veggies are golden.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.
Q/A
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
Q: Can I substitute the potatoes?
A: Yes, use sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or zucchini for a lower-carb version.
Q: How do I know salmon is done?
A: Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
Q: Can I meal-prep this?
A: Yes! Cook as directed, then store in meal containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the salmon.
Tips
- For crispier potatoes: Pre-boil baby potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting.
- Don’t overcook salmon: Remove from oven as soon as it flakes—carryover heat will finish cooking.
- Extra Mediterranean flair: Add sliced olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the tray.
- Spicy kick: Sprinkle chili flakes into the lemon butter sauce.
Nutrition (per serving, 1 salmon fillet + potatoes + broccoli)
Calories: 475 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbs: 22 g (Net Carbs: ~19 g after fiber)
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g