Lemon Glow Salmon Traybake with Leafy Salad

A Zesty Salmon Traybake for a Healthy Gut & Happy Mind

February, despite being the shortest month of the year, can feel like a long one. Dark mornings, cold evenings and energy levels that haven’t quite bounced back yet. This month we've been focussing on how what we eat can make a real difference, not just to how our bodies feel, but to our mood too.

Research continues to show a strong link between gut health and mental wellbeing, often called the gut–brain connection. When we feed our gut with fibre-rich vegetables, healthy fats and fresh ingredients, we’re also supporting the bacteria that help regulate mood, energy and focus.

That’s where bright, simple meals come in. Fresh flavours, colourful veg and nourishing fats can lift your plate, and your mood, without adding extra effort.

This Lemon Salmon Traybake is a perfect example.

Lemon Glow Salmon Traybake with Roasted Potatoes & Leafy Green Salad

Light, comforting and full of goodness, this dish combines omega-3 rich salmon, gut-friendly vegetables and our Drizzle It! Lemon Dressing, made with cold pressed rapeseed oil which is naturally high in omega 3.

Why this dish supports gut & brain health

• Omega 3 fats (from salmon and rapeseed oil) support brain function and may help regulate mood

• Leafy greens, cabbage and carrots provide fibre to feed your gut microbiome

• New potatoes offer resistant starch when cooled slightly — great for gut health

• Lemon and herbs add freshness that helps digestion and keeps meals feeling light

It’s comfort food — but nourishing, not heavy.

Ingredients (serves 2)

For the salmon

• 2 salmon fillets

• 2–3 tbsp Drizzle It! Lemon Dressing (works well with Orange & Ginger Dressing too)

• 1–2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the potatoes

• 150g new potatoes (about 10), quartered or halved depending on size

• A generous drizzle of Drizzle It! Lemon Dressing

• 2 garlic cloves

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the salad

• 1 bag mixed leaf salad

• ¼ red cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 carrot, thinly sliced

• 2 salad onions, thinly sliced

• Drizzle It! Lemon Dressing, to taste

• Fresh dill, optional

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C / Fan 200°C).

2. Fold a piece of foil into a shallow “boat” and place the salmon skin-side down. Drizzle with Lemon Dressing and sprinkle with cracked pepper. Set aside.

3. Add the potatoes and garlic to a baking tray, drizzle generously with Lemon Dressing, season, and toss well. Roast for 20 minutes.

4. 10 mins before the end, give the potatoes a shake and add the salmon to the oven. Return to roast until the salmon is just cooked and the potatoes are golden.

5. While everything finishes cooking, add all salad ingredients to a large bowl. Toss lightly and drizzle with Lemon Dressing.

6. Divide the salad between two plates, top with roasted potatoes (discarding the garlic cloves) then finish with the salmon. Garnish with fresh dill if using.

   
   

Tip: this dish works well with our Orange & Ginger Dressing as well.

Food That Works With You

Meals like this aren’t about restriction — they’re about adding more goodness. More plants. More healthy fats. More flavour. When food feels vibrant and satisfying, healthy eating becomes something you want to do, even in the depths of winter.

This is exactly what our Mood Food February is all about:Simple recipes that support your gut, fuel your brain, and help you feel a little brighter one meal at a time.