Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon and Green Beans Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 3 servings. Ingredient amounts can be scaled, but cooking times remain the same. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

• Cooking spray
• 3 (5-ounce) salmon filets, skin on, about 1-inch thick
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups small whole green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and position a rack in the center. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature while preparing other ingredients.
3. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the green beans, return to a boil briefly, then transfer to an ice bath for 2-3 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and cayenne. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture in a small bowl for later.
5. Brush a thin layer of honey mustard over both sides of the salmon. Place the filets skin-side down on one end of the prepared pan.
6. Toss the green beans in the remaining honey mustard mixture and spread them in an even layer opposite the salmon on the sheet pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 120F (49C), approximately 14 minutes. Adjust baking time for thicker filets.
8. Switch the oven to broil. Broil salmon and beans for about 2 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Remove from oven, brush the reserved honey mustard over the salmon, garnish with lemon slices, and serve warm.

Tips

For softer green beans, boil them 3-5 minutes longer until they reach your desired tenderness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 597
• Fat: 28g (36% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (24% DV)
• Cholesterol: 89mg (30% DV)
• Sodium: 733mg (32% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 60g (22% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 12g (42% DV)
• Sugars: 36g
• Protein: 37g (75% DV)
• Vitamin C: 149mg (165% DV)
• Calcium: 156mg (12% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (18% DV)
• Potassium: 1151mg (24% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data; consult a healthcare professional if following a medically restrictive diet.

The Story Behind Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon and Green Beans

The combination of salmon with a honey mustard glaze reflects a modern twist on traditional European and American flavors. Mustard-based sauces have been used in European cuisine for centuries, especially in French cooking, where Dijon mustard originated. Honey as a natural sweetener was often paired with mustard to balance its sharpness. The sheet pan method, which involves cooking both protein and vegetables on a single tray, became popular in the 20th century as home cooks sought convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Regional Variations

This dish is primarily American in style, reflecting the U.S. focus on easy, healthy weeknight meals. In coastal regions, such as the Pacific Northwest or New England, fresh salmon is often used, sometimes wild-caught, which enhances the flavor of the dish. Southern adaptations might include a spicier honey mustard glaze with added cayenne or smoked paprika, while Californian versions often feature additional citrus elements or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers alongside green beans.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Unlike teriyaki or maple-glazed salmon recipes, this sheet pan honey mustard salmon emphasizes a tangy-sweet balance without relying heavily on soy sauce or brown sugar. The use of green beans instead of starches like potatoes or rice gives the dish a lighter, lower-carb profile. The sheet pan technique ensures that the salmon remains moist while the vegetables caramelize slightly, which is a notable difference from sauted or pan-seared salmon recipes.

Typical Serving Occasions

This recipe is versatile and can be served for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal family gatherings. It is commonly found in home-cooked dinners, meal prep routines, and occasionally in bistro-style restaurants focusing on health-conscious menus. Its simple preparation and visually appealing presentation make it ideal for serving directly from the sheet pan, reducing cleanup and stress during entertaining.

Interesting Facts

• Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only flavorful but heart-healthy.
• The sheet pan cooking method helps retain more nutrients in vegetables compared to boiling or steaming.
• The honey mustard glaze can be adjusted with spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles, highlighting its flexibility.
• The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a classic flavor pairing that dates back hundreds of years in European cuisine.
• Using lemon zest and juice adds bright, fresh notes, enhancing both taste and visual appeal without extra calories.

Overall, Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon and Green Beans is a modern yet historically inspired dish that combines convenience, nutrition, and vibrant flavors, making it a favorite among home cooks seeking both simplicity and elegance.

FAQ about Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon and Green Beans Recipe