Baked Salmon with Vegetables: A Symphony of Flavors to Nourish Body and Soul

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 2 salmon fillets, 150g each: Choose fresh salmon with the skin on to ensure a more intense flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, use skinless salmon, but remember to drizzle it with olive oil while cooking to prevent it from drying out.
• 1 cup broccoli florets: This nutrient-rich cruciform provides vitamin C, fibers and a crunchy touch to your meal. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but if you opt for the frozen option, thaw it before adding it to the baking dish.
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper: Red bell peppers, rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, add color, flavor and juiciness to the dish. You can also use bell peppers of other colors, such as yellow or green, to vary the flavors and nutrients.
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion: The red onion, with its sweet and pungent flavor, caramelizes in the oven, providing sweetness and depth to the dish's flavor.
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, with their sweet flavor and juicy texture, explode in your mouth with every bite, providing a refreshing touch to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Olive oil, rich in fats good and antioxidants, it is essential to enhance the flavors of salmon and vegetables, in addition to contributing to the soft and juicy texture of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a citrusy, refreshing touch to the recipe, as well as helping to enhance the flavors of the salmon and vegetables.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential for seasoning dishes and enhancing the flavors of the ingredients. Use sea or Himalayan salt for a healthier touch.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Black pepper adds a spicy and tasty touch to the dish, as well as aiding digestion.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)

Preparation method:

1. Preheating: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier later.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and clean the broccoli, separating the florets into equal-sized pieces. Wash the red pepper, remove the seeds and cut it into medium-sized cubes. Peel and cut the red onion into thin slices. Wash the cherry tomatoes and leave them whole.
3. Season the salmon: In a shallow dish, season the salmon fillets with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Gently massage the seasoning into the salmon flesh, making sure to coat all sides.
4. Assemble the baking dish: Arrange the chopped vegetables—broccoli, red bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes—on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Distribute the vegetables evenly, creating a colorful bed for the salmon.
5. Position the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the bed of vegetables. Drizzle the entire contents of the baking dish generously with extra virgin olive oil.
6. Oven time! Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon is cooked through when it is opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Finishing and special touch: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the fish juices to redistribute and make the meat even more succulent. Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the salmon and vegetables.