Herbed Salmon Foil Packets with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes
Tender salmon fillets baked in foil with zucchini and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with fresh herbs for a light and flavorful Whole30 seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 28 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Lay out 4 large pieces of foil. Place one 6 oz salmon fillet in the center of each piece. Divide 2 sliced zucchinis and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes evenly among the packets around the salmon.
- Step 3: Spoon the herb and olive oil mixture evenly over each salmon fillet and vegetables.
- Step 4: Fold the foil over the salmon and vegetables to create sealed packets. Place on a baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are tender.
- Step 6: Carefully open the foil packets and transfer salmon and vegetables to plates. Spoon any juices from the packets over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbed Salmon Foil Packets with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herbed Salmon Foil Packets with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Salmon Foil Packets with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herbed Salmon Foil Packets with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herbed Salmon Foil Packets with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.