Maple-Mustard Glazed Salmon — Easy Salmon Recipes
A simple, flavor-forward salmon dinner that pairs a bright maple-mustard glaze with tender roasted vegetables. Built around lean protein and vegetables, this dish follows the spirit of the Nutritional Pyramid 2026–2030: real foods, healthy fats, whole-food vegetables, and simple techniques.
This dish is convenient for one or two because it roasts vegetables until soft and finishes salmon quickly so textures are easy to chew. You can adjust the roast time to your preferred tenderness.
Cleanup stays simple: everything cooks on one sheet pan if you like, or you can roast the vegetables first and add the salmon for a few minutes. The flavors are bold but kind on the stomach — olive oil, lemon, and a modest touch of maple for sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin on or off, plus salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup small new potatoes halved, and 1 small zucchini (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (or 1 tsp for lighter), 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 garlic clove minced, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
You can serve this salmon with a small side of rice, mashed potatoes, or soft bread if you like.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss carrots and potatoes with 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast on a rimmed baking sheet for 15–18 minutes until beginning to soften.
- Whisk together Dijon, maple syrup, lemon juice, minced garlic, and the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to make the glaze. Pat salmon dry, season lightly, place fillets on the sheet pan with the vegetables, and brush the glaze over the tops.
- Roast salmon 8–12 minutes depending on thickness until it flakes easily. Broil 1–2 minutes if you want the glaze caramelized. Let rest 2 minutes, garnish with thyme or parsley, and serve with the roasted vegetables.
Tips and Easy Variations
Gentle texture tips
- Roast vegetables longer (25–30 minutes) until very tender for easier chewing.
- Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces before serving for gentler bites.
- Remove the skin before serving if you prefer softer pieces.
Lower sugar and salt
- Use 1 teaspoon maple syrup or skip sweetener and add extra lemon for brightness.
- Omit added salt on vegetables and finish with fresh herbs and lemon instead.
- Choose garlic powder if fresh garlic is hard to digest for you.
One-pan and flavor swaps
- Cut vegetables smaller for faster roasting and add salmon later so everything finishes together.
- Swap thyme for dill and add lemon zest for a brighter finish.
- Pair with a warm whole-grain salad for extra fiber or try other one-pan salmon dinners.
Quick technique tips
- Cut vegetables small to shorten roast time and create very tender pieces.
- Broil briefly at the end to caramelize the glaze, watching closely.
- Pat thawed salmon dry so the glaze adheres and the fish roasts evenly.
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer
Freezing cooked salmon is not ideal; freeze raw fillets tightly wrapped for up to 2 months if needed.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–12 minutes or microwave on medium power in short bursts. Flaking cold salmon over warm sides is digestion-friendly.
Conclusion
Give this maple-mustard salmon a try when you want a small, satisfying meal that’s gentle on digestion and quick to make. It follows the Nutritional Pyramid 2026–2030 approach by centering vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fat for a simple, nourishing dinner.
Easy salmon recipes like this one make weekday cooking pleasant and practical; adjust sweetness, salt, and roast time to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
FAQ
How do I know when salmon is done?▶
The flesh should flake easily with a fork and look opaque. For a gentler texture, remove the salmon slightly earlier and let it rest so residual heat finishes cooking.
Can I use frozen salmon?▶
Yes. Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight, pat it dry, and follow the recipe. Patting helps reduce excess moisture so the glaze sticks and the salmon roasts properly.
