Busy night? You need this smoky, spicy, and surprisingly easy salmon recipe that comes together on one sheet pan in under 30 minutes.

When I first started cleaning up my dinners, salmon felt fancy and intimidating. But once I figured out how to make it flavorful and fast — it became a weekly go-to. This Sheet-Pan Blackened Salmon is bold, flaky, and cooked alongside tender roasted veggies for a complete meal with no extra pots to wash.

If you’re craving something healthy but not boring, spicy but not too hot, and done in a flash — this is it.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lime

For the Blackened Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Veggies:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the blackened seasoning in a small bowl.

3. Toss the veggies with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the sheet pan, leaving room for the salmon.

4. Rub salmon fillets with olive oil and lime juice. Generously coat the tops with the blackened seasoning.

5. Add salmon to the pan, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and veggies are tender and lightly caramelized.

7. Serve hot, with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, or your favorite side like quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Sarah’s Real-Life Tips

• Want it milder? Use less cayenne or swap smoked paprika for sweet paprika.

• Make it a bowl: Serve everything over greens or rice with avocado and a drizzle of Greek yogurt.

• Don’t overcook it! Salmon is done when it flakes easily but still feels moist in the center.

Why You'll Love It

It’s healthy without being bland, spicy without being overwhelming, and totally doable on a hectic Tuesday night. This is one of those dinners that feels “restaurant good” — but made in your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 36g

• Carbs: 8g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g