This creamy salmon, leek, and potato traybake is the perfect balance of comforting textures and fresh flavors. Tender salmon fillets nestled on a bed of soft roasted potatoes and sweet leeks, all coated in a luscious dill-infused cream sauce — it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, this one-pan meal requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. The creamy sauce keeps the salmon moist while the potatoes soak up every bit of the sauce, creating a harmonious bite every time. Serve with lemon wedges to add a fresh zing and brighten the rich flavors.
Full Recipe:
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600g potatoes, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 leeks, sliced
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400g skinless salmon fillets
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150ml double cream
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, to serve
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6.
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Toss the thinly sliced potatoes in 1 tbsp olive oil and spread evenly in a large ovenproof dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until they start to soften.
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While the potatoes roast, gently fry the sliced leeks in the remaining olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Remove the dish from the oven and scatter the cooked leeks over the potatoes. Place the salmon fillets on top, skin side down.
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In a small bowl, mix the double cream, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. Pour the creamy mixture over the salmon and potatoes.
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Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 480 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy Salmon, Leek & Potato Traybake
When it comes to comfort food that combines ease, flavor, and nutrition, few dishes deliver as beautifully as the creamy salmon, leek, and potato traybake. This recipe strikes an ideal balance between indulgence and healthfulness, making it a favorite for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even casual entertaining. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity — a handful of wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly in one tray, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
One of the reasons this traybake is so popular is its versatility and balance of textures and flavors. Potatoes, when thinly sliced and roasted, become tender and slightly caramelized around the edges, providing a comforting, starchy base. Leeks add a subtle sweetness and soft bite, complementing the richness of the salmon. The cream sauce, flavored with fresh dill and a hint of mustard, ties everything together, adding luscious moisture and an herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
Salmon itself is an excellent choice for this recipe because it cooks quickly and remains tender and flaky when baked gently. The creamy sauce ensures that the fish doesn’t dry out, which is a common issue when baking lean fish fillets. Additionally, salmon offers a bounty of health benefits — rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins like D and B12. These nutrients contribute to heart health, brain function, and overall wellness.
A One-Dish Wonder
In today’s busy world, recipes that combine ease and nutrition are highly prized. This traybake fits that bill perfectly. Since everything cooks together in one dish, it saves time on washing up and keeps the cooking process straightforward. You don’t have to juggle multiple pots or pans, which is especially convenient when cooking for a family or under time constraints.
Moreover, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the ingredients depending on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. For example, if you want a lighter version, swap the double cream for Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. For an extra vegetable boost, you can add chopped spinach, peas, or even some finely diced carrots alongside the leeks. Fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon can substitute for dill if you want to experiment with flavors.
Nutritional Benefits and Health Considerations
Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrients. Its omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. These healthy fats also help improve cognitive function and can promote better skin health. Leeks, part of the allium family like onions and garlic, contain antioxidants and fiber that support digestion and have potential anti-inflammatory effects. Potatoes, often unfairly maligned, are a good source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially when prepared with their skins on.
Despite the indulgent feel of the creamy sauce, the overall dish can be quite balanced if portion sizes are managed. The use of olive oil for roasting potatoes and leeks adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this traybake a more wholesome choice than heavily buttered or fried alternatives.
Seasonal and Occasion Flexibility
This creamy salmon traybake works well year-round. In colder months, its warmth and creaminess make it a comforting refuge from the chill. During spring and summer, it can be served with a light side salad or steamed greens to keep the meal fresh and bright. It’s also an excellent choice for entertaining because it looks impressive on the table without demanding hours of preparation.
For special occasions or gatherings, this dish can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd. The use of fresh dill and a splash of lemon juice elevates the flavor profile to something a bit more gourmet, without adding complexity to the process.
Tips for Success
To get the best results with this recipe, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. Slicing the potatoes thinly and evenly is key to ensuring they cook through within the baking time without becoming mushy. Using a mandoline slicer can speed this process and help maintain uniformity.
When cooking the leeks, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any grit or sand trapped between layers. Softening them in olive oil before layering in the tray adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Don’t rush the baking stage after adding the salmon and cream mixture — the gentle heat allows the sauce to thicken and the fish to cook perfectly while the potatoes finish roasting. Keep an eye on the salmon’s doneness by checking for flakiness with a fork.
Pairing Suggestions
This traybake pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp sides that contrast its rich creaminess. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or sautéed green beans are ideal. If you want something heartier, garlic roasted broccoli or a chilled cucumber and dill salad can complement the main dish nicely.
For drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the flavors well. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or an herbal iced tea enhances the freshness of the meal.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Salmon can be a sustainable choice depending on its source. Opting for wild-caught or responsibly farmed salmon ensures better environmental impact and quality. Look for certifications such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) when purchasing salmon to support sustainable fishing and farming practices.
Leeks and potatoes are widely available and generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to more exotic vegetables. Choosing organic or locally grown produce when possible can further reduce the carbon footprint of this dish.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Making Again and Again
The creamy salmon, leek, and potato traybake is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can combine into something greater than the sum of their parts. It delivers a comforting yet sophisticated flavor profile, requires minimal effort, and packs a nutritional punch that suits a health-conscious lifestyle.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe offers versatility, ease, and satisfaction. Its one-dish format makes weeknight dinners less stressful, while its rich, creamy sauce makes every bite feel indulgent. With a perfect balance of tender fish, roasted potatoes, and sweet leeks, all enveloped in a flavorful cream sauce, this traybake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Try it for your next dinner, and enjoy the delicious harmony of flavors that only this creamy salmon, leek, and potato traybake can deliver.