Quick Baked Salmon with Zucchini and Summer Squash
A light and healthy baked salmon paired with tender zucchini and summer squash sautéed with garlic, ready in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds summer squash
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 2: While salmon bakes, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 sliced zucchini and 2 sliced summer squash to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 7-8 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, tossing to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the baked salmon alongside the sautéed zucchini and summer squash for a fresh, quick meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Baked Salmon with Zucchini and Summer Squash take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Quick Baked Salmon with Zucchini and Summer Squash?
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 Quick Baked Salmon with Zucchini and Summer Squash?
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 Quick Baked Salmon with Zucchini and Summer Squash 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 Quick Baked Salmon with Zucchini and Summer Squash low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.