Sheet-Pan Salmon Winter Vegetables

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This vibrant dish features skin-on salmon fillets roasted to flaky perfection alongside a medley of caramelized winter root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions. Tender baby kale or spinach is tossed with olive oil and lemon juice then wilted atop the warm salmon and veggies for a fresh finish. The entire meal comes together on a single sheet pan, delivering rich flavors and easy cleanup. Seasoning with thyme, lemon slices, salt, and pepper enhances the wholesome ingredients, offering a nourishing and balanced main course ideal for gluten-free and pescatarian diets.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:56:00 GMT
Flaky Sheet-Pan Salmon with colorful roasted winter vegetables, ready for a flavorful bite. Save to Pinterest
Flaky Sheet-Pan Salmon with colorful roasted winter vegetables, ready for a flavorful bite. | velvetthyme.com

A vibrant, nourishing dish featuring flaky roasted salmon paired with caramelized winter root vegetables and hearty greens, all baked together on a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup.

I first made this sheet-pan salmon for a chilly evening dinner, and the combination of tender vegetables with perfectly roasted fish brought everyone to the table fast. It's now a go-to favorite when we want something healthy but hassle-free.

Ingredients

  • Salmon Fillets: 4 (6 oz / 170 g) skin-on salmon fillets
  • Olive Oil (Fish): 1 tablespoon
  • Kosher Salt (Fish): 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper (Fish): 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground
  • Lemon: 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Parsnips: 2, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Sweet Potato: 1 small, peeled and cubed
  • Red Onion: 1 small, cut into wedges
  • Olive Oil (Vegetables): 2 tablespoons
  • Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Kosher Salt (Vegetables): 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper (Vegetables): 1/4 teaspoon
  • Baby Kale or Spinach: 4 cups (120 g)
  • Olive Oil (Greens): 2 teaspoons
  • Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt and Pepper (Greens): Pinch

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prep the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and red onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast Vegetables:
Roast vegetables for 20 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Salmon:
Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Add Salmon to Sheet:
After 20 minutes, push vegetables to edges of the sheet pan, creating space in the center. Place salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the center and top with lemon slices.
Roast Salmon and Vegetables:
Return to oven and roast for another 10–12 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Prepare the Greens:
While salmon cooks, toss greens with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add Greens:
Scatter greens over the hot vegetables and salmon on the baking sheet; let wilt for 2 minutes before serving.
Serve:
Serve salmon fillets with roasted vegetables and wilted greens. Squeeze extra lemon juice over the top, if desired.
Vibrant image of Sheet-Pan Salmon featuring golden-brown veggies and tender, cooked fish. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant image of Sheet-Pan Salmon featuring golden-brown veggies and tender, cooked fish. | velvetthyme.com

This recipe quickly became one of our family's preferred meals when we wanted something wholesome but simple, especially during winter. Sharing it together feels both nourishing and comforting.

Required Tools

Large rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or foil, large mixing bowl, chef's knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains fish (salmon). Double-check packaged ingredients for cross-contamination if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 420 calories, 21 g total fat, 27 g carbohydrates, 31 g protein

Delicious Sheet-Pan Salmon with greens, a healthy, visually pleasing meal ready to enjoy now. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Sheet-Pan Salmon with greens, a healthy, visually pleasing meal ready to enjoy now. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy this vibrant salmon dinner, perfect for busy nights when you crave something cozy. Cleanup is a breeze, letting you spend more time at the table.

Recipe FAQs

What root vegetables work best with salmon?

Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions caramelize well and complement the rich flavor of salmon.

How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork but remain moist and tender inside.

Can I substitute baby kale with other greens?

Yes, baby spinach is an excellent alternative that wilts quickly and adds a mild flavor.

What seasoning enhances the roasted vegetables?

Fresh or dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper bring out the natural sweetness and earthiness of the root vegetables.

Is it necessary to use lemon slices with the salmon?

Lemon slices add brightness and a subtle citrus aroma that balances the richness of the fish and vegetables.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Vegetables can be prepped in advance, but roasting the salmon and combining all ingredients fresh ensures optimal texture and flavor.

Sheet-Pan Salmon Winter Vegetables

Flaky salmon paired with caramelized root vegetables and tender greens, all baked on a single sheet pan.

Prep time
20 min
Time for cooking
30 min
Total process time
50 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Modern American

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details No dairy, Free from gluten

List of ingredients

Fish

01 4 skin-on salmon fillets, 6 oz (170 g) each
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 1 lemon, thinly sliced

Root Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
02 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
03 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
04 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
07 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Greens

01 4 cups (120 g) baby kale or baby spinach
02 2 teaspoons olive oil
03 1 teaspoon lemon juice
04 Pinch of salt and pepper

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Step 02

Toss Root Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 03

Roast Vegetables Initially: Spread seasoned vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Step 04

Prepare Salmon Fillets: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 05

Arrange Salmon on Sheet: Remove baking sheet from oven. Push roasted vegetables to the edges, creating space in the center. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the center and top with lemon slices.

Step 06

Finish Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast an additional 10 to 12 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and vegetables are tender and caramelized.

Step 07

Prepare Greens: While salmon cooks, toss baby kale or spinach with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 08

Wilt Greens and Serve: Remove baking sheet from oven. Scatter greens over the hot vegetables and salmon, allowing them to wilt for 2 minutes. Serve immediately with optional extra lemon juice.

Essential tools

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains fish (salmon). Verify all packaged ingredients for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 420
  • Fat content: 21 g
  • Carbohydrate: 27 g
  • Protein amount: 31 g