Dinner in under an hour and barely any dishes? Yes, please! Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli is one of my absolute favorite ways to bring bold flavor, vibrant color, and wholesome nutrition to the table—all in just a few simple steps. The herby pesto, flaky salmon, golden potatoes, and crisp-tender broccoli make every bite a delight, and you’ll love how effortless cleanup is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything roasts together on a single pan for maximum flavor and almost zero cleanup.
- Flavor Explosion: Luscious pesto seeps into tender salmon while golden potatoes and roasted broccoli absorb every drop of seasoned goodness.
- Nutritious & Balanced: This meal is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, fiber, vitamins, and plenty of colorful veggies in every serving.
- Effortlessly Elegant: It’s weeknight-easy but impressive enough for guests—just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli is that it relies on a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor, texture, or presentation. Don’t skimp—use good quality for the best results!
- Wild Salmon Filets: Fresh wild salmon offers rich flavor and tender texture; feel free to use skin-on or skinless filets—just keep them similar in size.
- Pesto: Whether you have homemade stashed in the fridge or like a classic store-bought version, pesto is the key to infusing every bite with herbaceous, garlicky vibrance.
- Baby Gold Potatoes: Small gold potatoes roast up creamy on the inside and golden on the outside; halve them for faster cooking and more crispy edges.
- Broccoli: Cut into bite-sized florets, broccoli gets irresistibly nutty and crisp-tender from roasting in a hot oven.
- Olive Oil: Just enough to help everything brown and keep the salmon and veggies luscious—not oily.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor without overpowering—don’t forget to adjust to taste.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle for the potatoes adds savory depth (and no peeling or mincing necessary!).
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Brings a gentle peppery warmth that ties everything together.
Variations
One of the best things about Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli is how flexible it is—there are so many ways to tailor it to your pantry, your cravings, or your dietary needs. Here are some easy ways to switch it up:
- Try Different Veggies: Swap broccoli for asparagus, green beans, or even zucchini for a twist on the classic.
- Use a Different Pesto: Experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even romesco for bold new flavors.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use a vegan pesto and double-check your salmon source for a dinner everyone can enjoy.
- Swap the Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or fingerlings are fantastic alternatives for a new flavor and color profile.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Set your oven to 425°F and grab your largest rimmed baking sheet—trust me, the more space your veggies and salmon have, the crispier and more delicious they’ll get. If you don’t have an extra-large sheet, use two regular ones so everything has space to roast rather than steam.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Potatoes
Toss your halved baby gold potatoes with olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, and plenty of black pepper in a big bowl—make sure every piece is glossy. Spread them out in an even layer and give them a head start in the oven for about 20 minutes; this guarantees creamy centers and golden edges.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli and Salmon
While the potatoes roast, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. When the potatoes are done, scoot them to one side of the pan. Arrange your broccoli and salmon filets (skin side down) on the open space. Be sure the broccoli isn’t crowded so it roasts up crisp and caramelized, not soggy!
Step 4: Smother the Salmon with Pesto
Season your salmon filets with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper, then generously spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pesto over each one. Spread it to cover the top so every bite is bursting with herby goodness—it will melt and mingle with the roasting juices for the ultimate flavor bath.
Step 5: Final Roast and Serve
Pop the baking sheet back into the oven and roast for about 12 minutes more, until the salmon is just opaque and flakes beautifully with a fork. Smaller pieces may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye out for perfect, juicy results!
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli
- Spaced-Out Veggies: Give potatoes and especially broccoli plenty of room on the pan—crowding leads to steaming instead of roasting!
- Pesto Placement: Always add pesto after the salmon is on the pan, so it stays on top and infuses the fish instead of sliding away during transfer.
- Check Salmon Early: Salmon sizes vary, so start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark to ensure moist, flaky results.
- Easy Clean-Up: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for ultra-easy cleanup and less chance of sticking.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli
Garnishes
Finish your Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a scattering of torn basil, or a squeeze of bright lemon juice. These colorful touches add a hit of freshness and make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This meal is beautifully balanced on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to jazz it up, a crisp green salad or a loaf of warm garlic bread make perfect sidekicks. Consider a light cucumber salad or fluffy quinoa if you want a little something extra!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve everything family-style on the baking pan at the center of the table—or fork over your veggies and salmon onto individual plates, drizzle with extra pesto, and scatter a handful of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen after a day—perfect for lunch prep!
Freezing
You can freeze leftover salmon (without the veggies) for up to 2 months, though the texture will be softer after thawing. Reheat gently for best results, and enjoy the potatoes and broccoli fresh if possible.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli in a 300°F oven until warmed through—about 10 minutes. A microwave works in a pinch, but go low and slow to keep the salmon tender.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully and pat it dry before seasoning and adding to the sheet pan. This will help it cook evenly and prevent watery results.
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What’s the best pesto for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto (homemade or store-bought) is delicious, but you can get creative—try spinach, arugula, or even vegan pesto for a twist. The most important thing is using one you love, since it’s the star flavor here!
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How do I know when the salmon is done?
Check with a fork after 10-12 minutes; the flesh should flake easily and appear just opaque throughout. Overcooked salmon can dry out, so keep an eye out for that perfect flake!
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Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check that your pesto is gluten-free (most are, but some store-bought varieties may contain gluten), and you’re all set for a completely gluten-free meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli is truly a game changer. I hope you’ll make it your own and discover just how tasty and simple sheet pan dinners can be!
PrintSheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Potatoes and Broccoli for a wholesome meal that’s bursting with flavor. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 wild salmon filets (6oz each, 1 1/4–1 1/2 lbs total)
- 6 tbsp pesto (or store-bought pesto)
For the Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 pounds baby gold potatoes, sliced in half
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (plus more for seasoning salmon)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Broccoli:
- 1 large head broccoli, chopped into florets (3 heaping cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425F. Ensure you have a large baking sheet ready.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Toss halved baby gold potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp kosher salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Broccoli and Salmon: Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Push the partially cooked potatoes to one side of the baking sheet. Add broccoli and salmon (skin side down) to the sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon pesto over each filet.
- Bake: Place the sheet back in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure the salmon fillets are similar in size for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg