My Favorite Easy Salmon Recipe
This is my go-to easy salmon recipe. It’s a true one pan meal. You get your fish and veggies all cooked together. Doesn’t that sound simple? I love recipes that make less mess. This one is perfect for a busy night. The secret is the sweet and tangy maple mustard marinade. It makes the salmon so tasty. The carrots get a little caramelized. The potatoes turn nice and soft. It all comes out of the oven smelling amazing. What’s your favorite quick dinner recipe for busy evenings?Why This One Pan Meal Matters
Cooking should bring people together, not stress you out. That’s why this matters. A sheet pan dinner for family means more time with them. You are not stuck washing pots all night. You can even talk while dinner cooks itself. It also makes eating well easy. This is a very healthy salmon dinner. You get your protein and veggies in one dish. *Fun fact: Salmon is full of good fats for your brain.* I think that’s a pretty good reason to eat it, don’t you?The Magic of the Maple Mustard Marinade
Let’s talk about that sauce. Maple syrup and mustard are old friends. The sweet gets cozy with the tangy. A little balsamic vinegar and tamari join the party. Tamari makes this a gluten free dinner, which is nice for friends who need that. You just mix it in a bag. Then the salmon takes a bath in it. Twenty minutes is all it needs. I still laugh at how such a simple mix makes everything taste so special. Do you have a favorite sauce or marinade you always use?Roasted Potatoes and Carrots: The Best Part
The veggies cook right under the salmon. All the good flavors drip down on them. The roasted potatoes and carrots become the best part for some folks. They get a little crispy on the edges. My grandson always picks them off the pan first. Here’s a little tip from my kitchen. Cut your potatoes all the same size. This way they cook evenly. No one gets a hard piece. This small step makes a big difference. It’s a good lesson for cooking and for life, I think.Your New Weeknight Dinner Idea
So, here is your new weeknight dinner idea. This sheet pan maple mustard salmon is a real helper. It’s quick, healthy, and fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell. I promise it will make you feel like a smart cook. The best meals don’t have to be hard. They just have to be made with a happy heart. This recipe lets you do that. Will you try this recipe this week? I’d love to hear how it turns out for you and your family.Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kosher Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| freshly ground Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Maple Syrup | ¼ cup | |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon | |
| Whole Grain Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon | |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 tablespoon | |
| Tamari (or regular soy sauce) | 1 teaspoon | Use regular soy sauce if not gluten-free |
| center cut Salmon Fillets | 4 (each 6 ounces) | |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Yukon Gold Potatoes | 1 pound | peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes |
| small Carrots | 1 bunch | peeled and tops trimmed to 1-inch |
| Mixed Greens | 4 cups | for serving |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven hot for this easy salmon recipe. Preheat it to 425 degrees. Line your sheet pan with foil and give it a quick spray. Mix your salt and pepper in a little bowl. I still laugh at that time I forgot to spray the pan. (A hard-learned tip: use the dull side of the foil up for less sticking!)
Step 2: Now, make the magic maple mustard marinade. Whisk syrup, mustards, vinegar, and tamari together. Pour it into a bag with your salmon fillets. Let them get happy for 20 minutes, turning the bag once. This gluten free dinner starts with great flavor. Sweet or savory marinade? Share below!
Step 3: Toss your potatoes and carrots with oil and seasoning. Spread them on your sheet pan for a one pan meal. Roast them for 15 minutes first. Doesn’t that smell amazing? I love how simple roasted potatoes and carrots are.
Step 4: Take the pan out and move the veggies aside. Place your marinated salmon right on the hot sheet pan. Spoon extra marinade over everything. This turns into a quick dinner recipe so fast. Bake for 20 more minutes until the salmon is perfect.
Creative Twists
Swap carrots for sweet potato wedges. Add a sprinkle of rosemary on the veggies. Use the extra marinade as a salad dressing. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This healthy salmon dinner is lovely on a bed of greens. For another festive salmon dish, try that one next. A simple cucumber salad makes a nice, cool side. Or, scoop your sheet pan maple mustard salmon right onto plates. It’s the best weeknight dinner idea for a hungry family. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Maple Mustard Salmon Fresh
Let’s talk about storing this easy salmon recipe. Place any leftovers in a sealed container. They will keep in the fridge for two days. You can also freeze the cooked salmon for one month. Wrap it tightly in foil first. This makes a perfect quick dinner recipe for another night.
I remember my first sheet pan maple mustard salmon. I made a double batch! I froze half for my busy son. He reheated it later and loved it. Batch cooking matters because life gets busy. A ready-made healthy salmon dinner is a gift to your future self.
To reheat, use your oven or toaster oven. Warm it at 300 degrees until just hot. This keeps the fish tender. The microwave can make it rubbery. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all face little problems in the kitchen. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your marinade is too thick, add a teaspoon of water. This helps it coat the salmon evenly. Second, if your potatoes are not browning, give them more space on the pan.
I once crowded my roasted potatoes and carrots. They steamed instead of roasting! Third, if your fish seems dry, you may have overcooked it. Check it a few minutes early next time. Getting these small things right builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your one pan meal truly shine.
*Fun fact: Salmon gets its pink color from eating tiny shrimp!* Which of these problems have you run into before? For more ideas, see this festive lemon and chive roasted salmon.
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What to serve with glazed salmon?
This sheet pan dinner for family already has perfect sides! The roasted potatoes and carrots cook right with the fish. For extra color, add simple steamed green beans. A crisp green salad is also wonderful. The fresh greens balance the sweet and savory maple mustard marinade beautifully. It makes a complete gluten free dinner everyone will enjoy.
What to eat with honey mustard salmon?
Honey mustard salmon pairs well with many easy sides. Try fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. Roasted asparagus or broccoli are great healthy choices. A simple slaw adds a nice crunch. This combo makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner idea that feels special but is simple to prepare.
What are healthy sides to go with salmon?
Think about adding different colors to your plate. Green veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts are excellent. A quinoa salad with lemon dressing is light and tasty. You can also serve salmon over a big bed of leafy greens. These sides turn your healthy salmon dinner into a powerhouse of good nutrition and flavor.
Do salmon and mustard go together?
Oh yes, they are a classic pair! Mustard adds a sharp, tangy flavor. It cuts through the rich taste of the salmon. The combination is popular in many recipes for good reason. It creates a delicious balance that is not too strong. You will love it in this creamy Tuscan salmon too.
What goes well with glazed salmon?
Glazed salmon loves both starch and greens. Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries are comforting. For something lighter, try zucchini noodles or a citrus salad. The sweet glaze also pairs nicely with something slightly bitter, like sautéed kale. It is a very versatile main dish for any meal.
What is a nice side dish for salmon?
A nice side should complement, not compete. My favorite is these simple roasted potatoes and carrots from our recipe. For variety, try a wild rice pilaf or some twice-baked potato bites. A bright, acidic side like a cucumber salad also works wonders. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this sheet pan maple mustard salmon as much as I do. It brings everyone to the table with minimal fuss. That is the magic of a true one pan meal. Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. Remember, the best meals are shared with people you love.
Have you tried this recipe? I would love to hear about your experience. Tell me all about it in the comments below. You can also find more inspiration, like this holiday glazed salmon, on my site.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn
Maple Glazed Mustard Salmon Skillet
Description
A savory and sweet one-pan meal featuring maple and mustard glazed salmon roasted with potatoes and carrots.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cover a large rimmed baking pan with foil, dull side up. Spray with non-stick spray. Combine the salt and pepper into a small bowl and mix.
- Begin to marinate the salmon 5 minutes before putting the vegetables in the oven (step 3 below). Whisk together the maple syrup, mustards, vinegar and tamari and pour into a gallon zipper-close plastic bag (alternatively you can add the ingredient to the bag, seal and shake to fully blend). Lightly salt and pepper the fillets (not the skin side) using some of the combined salt and pepper, and add them gently to the bag with the marinade. Place the bag on its side on a large dinner plate and arrange the fillets sides by side, squeeze out the air and seal. After 10 minutes turn the bag over. Salmon will marinate 20 minutes total.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the potatoes and carrots. Drizzle with the olive oil and the remaining salt and pepper. Toss with hands to evenly coat with oil, salt and pepper and spread evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Cook for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven, flip the vegetables and move to the sides creating space for the salmon fillets. Remove the fillets from the marinade and place skin side down on the sheet pan. Spoon some of the marinade on the tops of the fillets and the rest over the potatoes and carrots (if desired). Cook 20 minutes. Remove from oven and serve on a bed of greens.
Notes
- For a complete meal, serve the salmon and vegetables over the mixed greens. The warm ingredients will slightly wilt the greens, creating a delicious base.