Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Steamed Broccoli & Sweet Potato Mash

EasyDinner.us • Diabetes-friendly • 30 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each), skin on or off
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus lemon wedges to serve)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (season to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 10–12 oz broccoli florets (about 4 cups)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs), peeled & cubed
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (or 1 tsp olive oil), optional
• 1/4–1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (to taste)
• 2–4 Tbsp warm water or milk of choice for mashing (as needed)

Instructions

1. Prep & preheat: Heat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a small sheet pan with parchment.
2. Sweet potato mash: Add cubed sweet potatoes to a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain well. Mash with butter (optional), cinnamon, and just enough warm water/milk to reach a smooth texture. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Keep warm.
3. Salmon: Place fillets on the lined pan. In a small bowl mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spoon over salmon. Bake 10–12 minutes (thicker pieces may need 1–3 minutes more) until the fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temp ~125–130°F for moist, 145°F if you prefer fully well-done).
4. Broccoli: While salmon bakes, steam broccoli 4–6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
5. Serve: Plate salmon with lemon wedges, a scoop of sweet potato mash, and steamed broccoli. Spoon any pan juices over the fish.

Tips

• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon marinade.
• No steamer? Microwave broccoli in a covered bowl with 2 Tbsp water for ~3 minutes; check and add 30-second bursts to finish.
• Lower fat option: Skip the butter in the mash and use a splash of warm water or milk alternative.

Cook time varies by fillet thickness and oven calibration.