If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but actually comes together with ease, you’re going to love this Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe. I absolutely love how everything roasts on one pan—minimal mess, maximum flavor, and that creamy lemon herb sauce? It’s the kind of thing that transforms simple salmon into a showstopper.

When I first tried this recipe, the balance of crispy roasted potatoes, tender broccoli, and juicy salmon drenched in that silky sauce had me hooked. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something nutritious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you experience this Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple One-Pan Meal: Roasting potatoes, broccoli, and salmon all together saves you time and cleanup.
  • Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce: This sauce brightens the dish with fresh flavors and rich creaminess that’s surprisingly easy to make.
  • Family Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love the balance of crispy veggies and flaky salmon.
  • Nutritious and Satisfying: Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner packed with protein and veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to give you that perfect mix of crispy, tender, and creamy in every bite. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and high-quality salmon fillets—they make a world of difference here.

  • Gold Potatoes: I like small potatoes for even roasting and bite-sized pieces.
  • Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor and roasting.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth to the roasted potatoes.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning all components.
  • Broccoli Florets: Baby broccoli works wonderfully but regular florets are great too.
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh or thawed, skin-on or off—just make sure they’re even thickness for even cooking.
  • Butter: For the sauce to add richness and a velvety finish.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference in your sauce’s aroma.
  • Shallot: A small shallot adds sweetness and extra flavor depth.
  • Fresh Thyme: Use fresh herbs when you can—they elevate the sauce beautifully.
  • Heavy Cream: This turns the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds savory body and helps thin out the cream slightly.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is key to getting that bright, fresh tang.
  • Fresh Parsley or Basil: Finely chopped to sprinkle at the end for freshness and color.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this recipe is, so feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand or your preferences. I’ve played around with different herbs and sides, and each time it turns out great.

  • Using Different Herbs: Sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary or dill depending on what’s in the garden; each gives the sauce a slightly different vibe.
  • Dairy-Free Option: I’ve made this with coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil in place of butter for a creamy but dairy-free sauce.
  • Vegetable Swaps: When broccoli isn’t in season, roasted asparagus or green beans make excellent alternatives.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce is how I like to sneak in a little heat.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes to Crispy Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss your bite-sized gold potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer and roast for about 25 minutes until they’re nicely golden and crisp on the edges. This timing sets a perfect base for adding your broccoli and salmon later without overcooking anything.

Step 2: Whip Up the Lemon Herb Cream Sauce

While your potatoes are roasting, get started on the sauce. Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add your minced garlic, shallot, and thyme sprigs. Sauté everything gently until fragrant and soft but not browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, letting the sauce gently simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Finally, whisk in the fresh lemon juice, chopped herbs, and season with salt and pepper. This sauce is where the magic happens—it’s creamy but bright, and you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.

Step 3: Add the Salmon and Broccoli, Then Bake

Once your potatoes have that perfect roasted crispness, it’s time to add the broccoli florets and salmon fillets right onto the baking sheet. Drizzle a touch more olive oil over the broccoli and season everything lightly with salt and pepper. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until your salmon flakes easily with a fork and the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant green. This one-pan approach means your salmon absorbs some of the roasted flavor, and the broccoli gets just the right amount of caramelization.

Step 4: Plate It Up and Serve

Serve everything hot with a generous spoonful of that luscious lemon herb cream sauce spooned over the salmon and veggies. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or basil and a wedge of lemon on the side bring it all home with color and brightness. I guarantee your family or guests will be asking for seconds!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

  • Choose Evenly Thick Salmon Fillets: It helps everything cook uniformly so no part dries out while waiting for others to finish.
  • Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup so much easier after roasting those buttery potatoes and salmon juices.
  • Simmer Sauce Gently: Avoid boiling your cream to prevent curdling and keep that smooth texture.
  • Add Broccoli Last Minute: It needs less time than potatoes, so add it after the potatoes have been roasting to get the perfect tender-crisp bite.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli, healthy baked salmon dinner, quick salmon recipes, easy one-pan salmon meal, lemon herb salmon The image shows a cooked salmon fillet placed in the center of a white plate with a blue floral pattern around the edge. The salmon is light pink inside with a golden-brown seasoned crust on top. On the fillet, there is a thin, round lemon slice garnished with small green herbs. A silver fork with a white handle is positioned to the right of the fillet, holding a small piece of salmon. A lemon wedge is placed near the fork on the right side of the plate. The whole plate is set against a white marbled surface.

Garnishes

I always love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving—that fresh herb note adds a lively pop of color and flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side is a must for those who want an extra burst of citrus to brighten each bite. Sometimes, I even add a few capers on top for a little salty tang that pairs beautifully with salmon.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a complete meal, thanks to the roasted potatoes and broccoli, but if you want to add more, steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy sauce nicely. For bread lovers, crusty garlic bread also makes for a fabulous side to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I like to plate the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or wild rice, then drizzle the lemon herb cream sauce over the top and arrange the potatoes and broccoli artistically around the plate. Adding edible flowers or microgreens elevates the look for dinner guests—guaranteed wow factor without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon separate from the potatoes and broccoli if possible to prevent everything from getting soggy. The lemon herb cream sauce can be kept in a small sealed jar to drizzle fresh when reheating.

Freezing

While I usually don’t freeze cooked salmon with cream sauce because the texture can change, you can freeze the roasted potatoes and broccoli separately without issue. I recommend making the sauce fresh when you plan to eat the salmon again.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the salmon and veggies in a low oven (about 300°F) wrapped loosely in foil to keep moisture in. Then I reheat the sauce in a small pan over low heat, stirring to keep it smooth before serving everything together.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe?

    Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before roasting to ensure it cooks evenly and the sauce sticks nicely.

  2. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the lemon herb sauce?

    You can use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer for a non-dairy option, but the sauce will have a slightly different flavor and texture. Alternatively, use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

  3. How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

    The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque all the way through. Depending on thickness, this usually takes 10-15 minutes at 400°F.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, which is widely available in most stores.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof you can eat well without complicated steps or a long list of ingredients. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a treat but comes together in under an hour. If you’re craving something fresh, creamy, and satisfying, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat, like my family does!

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Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Cream Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce recipe features tender salmon fillets roasted alongside crispy gold potatoes and fresh broccoli, all served with a rich, buttery lemon herb sauce. It’s a wholesome, flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that balances protein, veggies, and a tangy, creamy sauce.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sheet Pan:

  • 1 lb. small gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Olive oil, for tossing
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 23 cups broccoli florets (baby broccoli preferred)
  • 1-2 lbs. salmon, cut into 2-4 fillets

Lemon Herb Sauce:

  • 6-8 tablespoons butter
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the bite-sized gold potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the sheet pan and roast for about 25 minutes until they’re lightly browned and crispy on the edges.
  2. Make the Life-Changingly Delicious Sauce: While the potatoes roast, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, shallot, and fresh thyme sprigs, sautéing gently until the shallots are soft and fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly. Whisk in fresh lemon juice and stir in the chopped parsley or basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the thyme sprigs.
  3. Bake the Salmon and Broccoli: After the potatoes have roasted for 25 minutes, add the broccoli florets and salmon fillets onto the same baking sheet. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork, and the broccoli is tender.
  4. You’re Done: Plate the salmon, roasted potatoes, and broccoli. Spoon generous amounts of the lemon herb sauce over the salmon and vegetables. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, balanced meal!

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, make sure your potato pieces are similar in size.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream with olive oil and coconut milk respectively.
  • Use fresh herbs to enhance the bright flavors of the sauce.
  • If baby broccoli is unavailable, regular broccoli florets will work just as well.
  • Check salmon doneness with a fork to avoid overcooking, which can dry it out.

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