Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Blackened Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
A simple sheet pan meal featuring tender blackened salmon fillets with a smoky Cajun spice rub, roasted alongside colorful bell peppers and zucchini for a vibrant, healthy dinner. This american-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, cajun seasoning 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips bell peppers
- 2 medium, cut into 1/2-inch half-moons zucchini
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 wedges, for serving lemon wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and rub each with 1 tbsp olive oil, then evenly coat with the spice mixture. Place the salmon skin-side down on one side of the sheet pan.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss 2 sliced bell peppers and 2 medium zucchini cut into 1/2-inch half-moons with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables on the other side of the sheet pan.
- Step 4: Roast everything for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender with slight caramelized edges.
- Step 5: Serve warm with 4 lemon wedges to squeeze over the salmon for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Blackened Salmon with Roasted Vegetables 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Blackened Salmon with Roasted Vegetables?
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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Blackened Salmon with Roasted Vegetables?
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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Blackened Salmon with Roasted Vegetables 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Blackened Salmon with Roasted Vegetables gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.