Moroccan Spiced Salmon Traybake with Courgettes and Tomatoes

A salmon traybake is a practical one-pan dinner where the fish roasts gently among vegetables, taking on flavour while staying moist. Here, courgettes and cherry tomatoes soften first in a hot oven, releasing juices that mingle with olive oil, lemon and a warm Moroccan-style spice mix of cumin, coriander and sweet paprika. The result is light but satisfying: flaky salmon, sweet blistered tomatoes, tender courgette and a fresh coriander finish. It suits a quick weeknight meal, with enough brightness and colour to feel more considered than the short cooking time suggests.
Cuisine style Moroccan-inspired weeknight cooking
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Fast cooking: Salmon cooks quickly, so the whole traybake stays comfortably within a weeknight-friendly cooking time.
  • Efficient traybake method: The vegetables roast first, then the salmon is added to the same tray for minimal cleanup and better timing.
  • Bright finish: Lemon juice cuts through the richness of the salmon and lifts the warm cumin, coriander, and paprika.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Give the vegetables a head start: Roasting the courgettes and tomatoes before adding the salmon helps them soften properly without overcooking the fish.
  • Serve straight away: Salmon is at its best as soon as it flakes easily but still looks juicy in the centre.

Texture tips

  • Avoid fridge-cold salmon: Let the salmon sit out briefly before roasting so it cooks more evenly from edge to centre.
  • Check the thickest part: Start checking early and remove the salmon once it flakes easily; residual heat will continue to finish it gently.

Ingredient swaps

  • For a softer herb finish: Use fresh parsley instead of coriander if you prefer a milder, greener flavour.
  • For a smokier spice note: Swap sweet paprika for smoked paprika to give the traybake a deeper, more savoury edge.
  • Alternative vegetable: Aubergine can replace courgette, but it needs a little longer in the oven before the salmon is added.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with grains or bread: Couscous, rice, or warm flatbreads work well for soaking up the tomato and lemony tray juices.
  • Finish fresh: Add extra lemon and fresh coriander just before serving to keep the flavours bright.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Put the olive oil on a baking tray.
  2. Halve the courgettes lengthways, then cut into thick half-moons. Add the courgette and cherry tomatoes to the tray, season with half the salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
  3. Roast the vegetables for 8 minutes, until they are starting to soften and the tomatoes begin to blister.
  4. Meanwhile, mix the cumin, ground coriander and sweet paprika with the remaining salt and pepper. Rub the spice mix over the salmon, then cut the lemon in half.
  5. Nestle the salmon among the vegetables and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. Squeeze over the lemon juice to taste.
  6. Roughly chop the fresh coriander and scatter it over the traybake. Serve straight away with extra lemon squeezed over, if you like.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For even cooking, bring the salmon out of the fridge 10 minutes before roasting so it is not fridge-cold.
  • If your salmon fillets are thick, give the vegetables an extra 2 minutes in the oven before adding the fish.
  • Fish cooks quickly, so aim for salmon that flakes at the thickest part but is still juicy in the centre.

Substitutions

  • Replace Fresh coriander with Fresh parsley for a milder, more herbaceous finish.
  • Replace Sweet paprika with Smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavour.
  • Replace Courgette with Aubergine, cut into similar-sized pieces, and roast the vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes longer before adding the salmon.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat on a baking tray at 180°C (355°F) for 8 to 10 minutes until piping hot, or enjoy cold as a salad-style leftover.

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Moroccan Spiced Salmon Traybake with Courgettes and Tomatoes
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Moroccan
  • Allergens:
    Fish
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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