🐟 Sheet-Pan Salmon with Melting Leeks

A gut-loving, protein-rich dinner made simple in one pan

This nourishing meal balances flavor, fiber, and functionality—perfect for anyone looking to support digestive health while enjoying a satisfying, elegant dish. Roasted salmon topped with an herby, crispy panko crust pairs beautifully with “melting” leeks, creamy yogurt, and fiber-rich black lentils. This meal is a probiotic-prebiotic powerhouse, and it all comes together with minimal hands-on time.

🧠🥗 Nutrition Notes

Salmon is rich in brain- and heart-healthy omega-3s, plus it delivers an excellent dose of protein, vitamin B12, and minerals like iodine, selenium, and potassium. Wild-caught varieties, such as sockeye, are especially high in inflammation-busting astaxanthin and one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D.

Leeks, from the allium family (like onions), provide gut-friendly prebiotic fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. They're also rich in vitamins A and C, with immune-boosting and vision-supporting benefits.

Greek yogurt brings calcium, protein, and probiotics to the plate—beneficial bacteria that nurture your gut microbiome. It also contains potassium for healthy blood pressure and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid and immune health.

Black lentils round out the plate with more gut-friendly fiber, plant protein, and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. Bonus: the vitamin C in the leeks helps your body absorb the iron from the lentils more efficiently.

🛒 Ingredient Highlights

• 6 leeks, white and light green parts only, well rinsed and patted dry

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus 2½ teaspoons, divided

• 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided

• 1 teaspoon ground pepper, divided

• ½ cup lower-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon, divided, plus more for garnish

• 4 (5-ounce) skinless salmon fillets (1-inch thick)

• ½ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, divided

• ¼ teaspoon salt, divided

• 1 (8-ounce) package precooked microwaveable black lentils

• ¾ cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

• ½ cup garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (such as Boursin or Alouette), at room temperature

• 1 clove garlic, grated

🧑‍🍳 How to Make It:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Trim leeks, removing and discarding dark green parts. Remove and discard outer layer of each leek; cut into 1-inch coins.

• Toss the leeks with 1 tablespoon oil, 2 teaspoons thyme and ½ teaspoon pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet until well coated. Spread into an even layer around the edges of the pan. Roast until mostly tender and starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Drizzle with ½ cup broth and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; roast until the liquid has been fully absorbed, about 12 minutes.

• Meanwhile, stir 2 tablespoons mustard and 1 tablespoon tarragon together in a small bowl; spread evenly over 4 salmon fillets (about 1½ tablespoons each). Combine ½ cup panko, 1 tablespoon each parsley and oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest and the remaining 2 teaspoons thyme in a medium bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the salmon, pressing gently to adhere.

• Carefully flip the leeks. Drizzle the center of the baking sheet with 1½ teaspoons oil and place the salmon there. Roast until the leeks are well browned and the salmon is just cooked through, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle the leeks and salmon with ⅛ teaspoon salt.

• Meanwhile, prepare lentils according to package directions. Combine ¾ cup yogurt, ½ cup spreadable cheese, the grated garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon tarragon, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon zest and ½ teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and ⅛ teaspoon salt to the lentils; toss to coat. Spread the yogurt mixture on 4 plates; top with the lentils, leeks and salmon. Garnish with additional tarragon, if desired.

  🍽️ Pro Tip:

  This dish is great for entertaining or meal prepping. You can even swap the salmon for tofu or chickpea patties for a plant-based twist!

  🌿 Serves 4 | Active Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 55 mins

  This recipe blends gourmet with gut-health—ideal for anyone seeking vibrant wellness without compromising on flavor or presentation.