Southwest Salmon with Sweet Potatoes

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This Sheet Pan Southwest Salmon and Sweet Potatoes recipe is bursting with bold flavors with a smoky lime-spice rub and perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. All ready in less than 30 minutes with minimal clean up!

486 CAL 17g CARBS 30g FAT 37g PROTEIN 1
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Smoky, zesty, and just a little sweet—this Southwest Salmon and Sweet Potatoes recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, since it’s all made on one pan, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your meal.

When you’re craving something bold and satisfying without all the work, this easy sheet pan salmon and sweet Potatoes is here to save the day. With just a handful of simple ingredients, like tender salmon, sweet potatoes, lime, and smoky spices, you’ll have a dish that tastes like you put way more effort into it.

The sweet potatoes roast to golden, caramelized perfection, while the salmon cooks up tender and flavorful with a zesty kick. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and smoky, and best of all, it’s ready in no time!

If you love Southwest flavors as much as I do, you have to try these Southwest Steak Bowls or this Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl!

Fresh salmon fillets, sweet potatoes, and seasonings arranged on a countertop for a Southwest-inspired dish.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Here's a short list of what you'll need:

  • Sweet potatoes: You can substitute with regular potatoes or even butternut squash if you prefer.
  • Salmon: Atlantic salmon is a great choice for its flavor and tenderness, but any fresh salmon fillet or even trout can work!
  • Lime: Fresh lime adds brightness, but if you're in a pinch, lemon zest and juice can be a nice substitute.
  • Southwest seasoning: I use a simple blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend produces a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the dish! You could also use your favorite store-bought southwest seasoning if you like.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it in this recipe.

Substitutions

Here are a few simple swaps you can make if you don't have all of the ingredients:

  • Smoked paprika: If you don't have it, regular paprika or a pinch of liquid smoke can work in a pinch.
  • Chili powder: If you want more spice, swap in some cayenne or red pepper flakes. For a milder version, use just a little ground cinnamon for warmth.
  • Garlic powder: You can substitute with fresh garlic, but use less since it's stronger.
  • Onion powder: If you prefer fresh, a little finely chopped onion can do the trick—just be sure to cook it down so it's soft and sweet.

Easy Steps to Making This Baked Salmon Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step look at how to make this recipe:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by slicing the sweet potatoes thin. Toss them with a bit of oil and half of the spice mix, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast until they're tender and slightly crisp.

Pro Tip: Make sure the sweet potatoes are in a single layer to get a nice, even roast!

2. Season the Salmon

While the potatoes are roasting, rub the salmon with olive oil or spray it with cooking spray. Press the spice rub onto each piece and top with a lime slice.

Sliced sweet potatoes coated in seasoning, shown in a bowl and spread on a baking sheet.

3. Roast the Salmon

Once the potatoes have cooked for a bit, place the salmon on the baking sheet and return it to the oven to bake. Let everything cook together until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the salmon towards the end so it doesn't overcook! If needed, take it out and let it rest while the potatoes finish cooking.

Seasoned salmon fillets before and after baking, paired with roasted sweet potatoes and lime slices.

Fun Ways to Use Leftovers

If you're anything like me, you like to make leftovers a little more fun! Here are some ways to reuse leftovers:

How can you tell if the roasted salmon is done?

You'll know your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you gently press it with a fork and the flesh separates into flakes, it's ready! You can also check the internal temperature—it should reach about 145°F. If you like your salmon a little rarer, take it out a bit earlier, but always make sure it's fully opaque on the inside.

Baked salmon fillets with lime slices on a bed of roasted sweet potatoes.

How do I make sure everything is done cooking at the same time?

Great question! The key is to stagger when you put things in the oven. Start roasting your sweet potatoes first since they take longer to cook. Then, once they're halfway done, add the salmon to the baking sheet. That way, everything finishes at the same time, and you're not rushing around at the last minute.

What do I do if my fish is cooking faster than my potatoes?

If you notice your salmon cooking faster than the potatoes, you can simply take the salmon out and let it rest while the potatoes finish up. Just cover the salmon with foil to keep it warm. You could also lower the oven temperature slightly so that both the fish and potatoes cook more evenly together. No big deal—just a little kitchen adjustment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about this recipe:

If you've got leftovers (lucky you!), here's how to keep them fresh and tasty:

  1. Place the salmon and sweet potatoes in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They'll stay good for a few days, making them perfect for meal prep or an easy next-day lunch.
  2. To keep everything from getting soggy, store the salmon and sweet potatoes in separate compartments if possible.

 

  1. The oven is your best bet for reheating. Warm everything on a baking sheet at a low temperature until heated through. This helps the salmon stay flaky and the potatoes crispy.
  2. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too—just use a lower power setting to avoid drying out the fish. Add a splash of water or cover with a damp paper towel to keep things moist.
  3. Want to freshen things up? Squeeze some lime juice over the top after reheating for a quick flavor boost!

 

Sheet pan with baked southwest-seasoned salmon fillets on a bed of roasted sweet potato slices, garnished with lime rounds.
The Recipe
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Southwest Salmon with Sweet Potatoes

486 CAL 17g CARBS 30g FAT 37g PROTEIN 1
PREP TIME: 10 Min
COOK TIME: 30 Min
TOTAL TIME: 40 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 2 sweet potatoes, sliced thin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray)
  • 1.5 lbs salmon ( individual pieces, I prefer Atlantic salmon for this recipe)
  • 1 lime (zest and juice)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper

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Instructions

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1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl combine the lime zest, smoked paprika, chil powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you prefer sweet and spicy, add 1-2 tbsp of brown sugar. Slice the potatoes into thin slices. Toss with olive oil/cooking spray and half of the spice mixture.

2

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the potatoesin a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.

3

Meanwhile, coat the salmon with cooking spray or olive oil. Press the spice rub onto the salmon. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and place the salmon on top. Place a slice of lime on each piece of salmon.

4

Return the baking sheet to the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes until the salmon is cooking to your liking.

Equipment

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Diets:
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 6 oz salmon and 3/4 cup sweet potato
Amount Per Serving
Calories 486
Calories from Fat 270
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g
46%
Saturated Fat 6g
31%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 94mg
31%
Sodium 160mg
7%
Total Carbohydrate 17g
6%
Dietary Fiber 4g
14%
Sugars 3g
Protein 37g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
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