This One Pan Baked Caesar Salmon is one of those easy dinners I love having in my back pocket! Tender salmon, broccoli with crispy edges, creamy Caesar dressing, and melted cheese all cook together on one pan for a meal that is simple to make and full of flavor.

I love that everything comes together in one dish, which means less cleanup and an easy dinner for busy nights! If you love easy salmon recipes, you’ll also want to try my Bang Bang Salmon, another delicious baked salmon recipe.

One Pan Baked Caesar Salmon on a wooden table from overhead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Salmon: I used skinless salmon filets that are about 6 ounces each. You can use skin-on salmon if that is what you have, but remove the skin before serving if you prefer. Try to choose filets that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best in this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the salmon. You can swap in other vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts, if you prefer.
Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps the broccoli roast and gives it those delicious crispy edges.
Caesar Salad Dressing: Caesar dressing adds creamy, savory flavor to the salmon and helps hold the cheese on top. I used my homemade Caesar dressing, but your favorite store-bought dressing will also work.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy topping. You can use shredded Italian blend cheese if that is what you have on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty flavor and pairs perfectly with the Caesar dressing.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the flavor of the salmon, broccoli, and cheese. Adjust to taste if needed.
For Serving: Lemon wedges add a bright pop of flavor that balances the creamy Caesar topping. Extra Parmesan is always welcome!

Process for how to make One Pan Baked Caesar Salmon with coating the salmon with ceasar dressing and cheese.

Tips for the Best One-Pan Baked Caesar Salmon

Pat the salmon dry: Removing extra moisture helps the Caesar dressing stick to the salmon and helps it bake up nicely.
Cut the broccoli into even pieces: Smaller, similar-sized florets will cook more evenly and get those delicious crispy edges.
Use salmon filets that are similar in size: This helps all of the salmon finish cooking at the same time.
Do not overcook the salmon: Salmon is best when it is tender and flaky. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 145°F.
Want crispier broccoli? Roast the broccoli on its own for 5 minutes before adding the salmon. This gives it a little extra time to brown while the salmon stays perfectly cooked.
Serve with fresh lemon: A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens the creamy Caesar flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.

Close up of One Pan Baked Caesar Salmon with a spatula on a wooden table.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Frozen salmon works well in this recipe. Thaw the salmon completely first, then pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking. Removing extra moisture helps the salmon cook properly and keeps the topping from becoming watery.

Can I use a different vegetable instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Broccoli works well because it cooks in about the same amount of time as the salmon, but you can swap it for vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Just keep the pieces similar in size so everything cooks evenly.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes. Your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing will work perfectly in this recipe. I love using my homemade Caesar dressing when I have it, but store-bought makes this meal quick and easy.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes! Mozzarella gives this salmon a creamy, melty topping, but you can swap it for another cheese that melts well, like an Italian cheese blend or provolone. I recommend keeping the Parmesan because it adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs so well with the Caesar dressing.

How do I know when salmon is done cooking?

The easiest way to tell if salmon is done is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the salmon should reach 145°F. The salmon should also look opaque and flake easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, as salmon can become dry if it stays in the oven too long.

One piece of One Pan Baked Caesar Salmon with some of the salmon removed showing the flakey texture.

What to Serve with One Pan Baked Caesar Salmon

This salmon is a complete meal with the roasted broccoli, but adding a simple side can make dinner feel even more special. Here are a few of my favorite options:

Rice: A simple side of white rice, jasmine rice, or rice pilaf is perfect for soaking up any extra Caesar flavor.
Potatoes: Serve with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or crispy potato wedges for a hearty dinner.
Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is great for scooping up the cheesy Caesar topping.
Salad: A simple side salad makes an easy, fresh side that pairs well with the rich flavors of the salmon.
Pasta: A light pasta dish or buttered noodles can turn this into a comforting family dinner.

How to Store One-Pan Baked Caesar Salmon

Store leftover salmon and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing.

To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. The salmon is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make an easy lunch or quick dinner the next day.

I do not recommend freezing this recipe because the creamy Caesar topping and cheese may change in texture after thawing.