Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mash & Shrimp Veggie Medley 🐟🥦🦐
The Comfort Meal That Tastes Like You Spent All Day in the Kitchen — But Takes Less Than an Hour!
If there’s one recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-quality showstopper, it’s this Cajun Salmon with Creamy Garlic Mash and Shrimp Veggie Medley. The first time I made it, my family went completely silent at the table — and you know that moment when nobody talks because they’re too busy enjoying every bite? Exactly that.
The salmon comes out juicy, flaky, and perfectly seasoned with smoky Cajun spices. The garlic mash turns impossibly creamy with just a few simple tricks. And the shrimp veggie medley? Oh, that’s the part that makes everyone think you’re a pro chef. It has that buttery, garlicky flavor that clings to the shrimp and vegetables, making every single bite unforgettable.
This meal is bold, comforting, nourishing, and absolutely stunning on the plate — the kind of dish people remember.
⭐ Why Everyone Loves This Dish
One-pan friendly (less cleanup, more flavor).
High-protein, full of fresh veggies, and naturally gluten-free.
Looks fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.
Cajun seasoning brings that perfect smoky heat, but you can easily adjust it.
The creamy garlic mash balances the spicy salmon so well — it’s the ultimate combo.
🍋 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cajun Salmon
4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
½ lemon (for squeezing)
Salt & pepper
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
5–6 medium potatoes
3 tbsp butter
½ cup milk or cream
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt to taste
Shrimp Veggie Medley
1 lb shrimp, cleaned & deveined
1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
2 garlic cloves
Salt & pepper
🔥 How to Make Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mash & Shrimp Vegetable Medley
- Prepare Your Garlic Mash
Start the potatoes first — they take the longest. Peel, chop, and boil until fork-tender. Mash them with butter, milk, garlic, and salt until they become smooth and creamy. Cover and set aside.
- Cook the Cajun Salmon
Pat the salmon dry so it crisps nicely. Rub with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear on a hot skillet or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
When done, squeeze fresh lemon on top — it wakes up every flavor.
- Shrimp Veggie Medley Magic
In a large pan, heat butter and olive oil. Add your veggies first for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and juicy (about 3 minutes).
- Assemble Your Plate
Spoon the garlic mash first, place your Cajun salmon on the side, then top or surround it with the shrimp veggie medley.
It looks BEAUTIFUL, it smells incredible, and it tastes like something from a high-end restaurant.
💡 Tips for Extra Flavor
Add a splash of cream cheese to your mash for extra silkiness.
Brush the salmon with a tiny drizzle of honey before cooking — it caramelizes beautifully.
Use smoked paprika + cayenne if you don’t have Cajun seasoning.
Add spinach to the shrimp medley for extra color and nutrients.
🔄 Variations
Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper to the salmon.
Low-carb version: Replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash.
Lemon-garlic style: Use lemon pepper seasoning instead of Cajun.
Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream to sautéed shrimp & veggies.
🍽️ What to Serve With This Dish
Lemon butter asparagus
Garlic bread
Side salad with vinaigrette
Basmati rice (if you want to make it extra filling)
📌 Printable / Save-Friendly Recipe Card
Cajun Salmon with Garlic Mash & Shrimp Veggie Medley
Ingredients:
Salmon, Cajun seasoning, lemon, potatoes, butter, milk/cream, garlic, shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, salt, pepper, oil.
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes → mash with butter, milk, and garlic.
- Season salmon → sear or bake until flaky.
- Sauté veggies → add shrimp and Cajun seasoning → cook until pink.
- Plate everything together → garnish with lemon.
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Serves: 4