Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli is the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. With golden, pan-seared salmon, crispy roasted potatoes, and tender broccoli tossed in a silky lemon butter sauce, this dish checks every box: comforting, nourishing, and irresistibly flavorful.

Salmon has long been a favorite protein for home cooks because it’s quick-cooking, nutrient-dense, and endlessly versatile. Pairing it with crispy potatoes and broccoli transforms it into a complete, satisfying meal that doesn’t require multiple complicated sides. Everything works together—bright citrus cuts through the richness of butter, crispy potatoes add texture, and broccoli balances the plate with fresh green goodness.

This recipe leans into classic flavors that never go out of style. Lemon and butter enhance salmon without overpowering it, letting the fish shine while still delivering bold flavor. Best of all, this dish can be made with simple pantry staples and minimal prep, making it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep.

Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or already a fan, this Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s practical. Everything about it is designed to make dinner smoother, tastier, and more enjoyable.

It’s a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs
Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
Feels indulgent without being heavy
Ready in under an hour from start to finish
Perfect for both weeknights and entertaining

The textures are what truly set this dish apart. Crispy potatoes contrast beautifully with flaky salmon, while broccoli soaks up the lemon butter sauce without losing its bite.

Ingredients

Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Baby potatoes, halved or quartered
Fresh broccoli florets
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Fresh lemon (juice and slices)
Garlic, minced
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika if using. Spread them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until beginning to turn golden and crispy.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add broccoli florets to the pan. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt. Toss gently to combine with the potatoes. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the potatoes are deeply golden and the broccoli is tender with lightly crisp edges.
While the vegetables roast, season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sear the salmon fillets skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh lemon juice and gently simmer for 1 minute.
Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets, letting them soak up the flavor.
Serve the salmon alongside crispy potatoes and broccoli. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices before serving.

Lemon Butter Sauce: The Star of the Dish

The lemon butter sauce is what ties this entire recipe together. Butter provides richness, garlic adds depth, and lemon brings brightness that keeps everything balanced. It’s simple, classic, and incredibly effective.

If you want a slightly thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for an extra minute or add a splash of chicken broth for more volume without extra richness.

Tips for Perfect Salmon

Cooking salmon well is all about timing and heat control.

Don’t overcook—salmon continues to cook after being removed from heat
Use medium heat to avoid burning the butter
Let salmon rest for a minute before serving
Fresh lemon juice always tastes better than bottled

For extra flavor, you can marinate the salmon briefly in olive oil, lemon zest, and garlic before cooking.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to adapt.

Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the potatoes
Use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes
Add a touch of honey or Dijon mustard to the lemon butter sauce

Each variation keeps the core flavors intact while offering something new.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty baguette
Steamed rice or quinoa for extra carbs
A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon

This dish looks stunning on the table, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

A Little Foodie Fun Fact

Salmon has been a prized ingredient for centuries, particularly in coastal regions where fresh fish was central to everyday cooking. The combination of fish with citrus and butter became popular in European cuisine and has remained a timeless pairing thanks to its perfect balance of richness and acidity.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat gently to avoid drying out the salmon
Potatoes can be crisped back up in the oven or air fryer
Lemon butter sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently

Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes & Broccoli proves that simple ingredients, when treated well, can create a meal that feels special every single time. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.