Aperol-Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky salmon fillets glazed with Aperol and lemon, roasted with crisp asparagus for a sophisticated yet simple weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, Aperol, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp Aperol, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, chopped dill, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper; brush half over salmon fillets.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 1 bunch asparagus around salmon, drizzle with remaining glaze, and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Let rest 3 minutes, then serve with pan juices and asparagus, garnished with extra dill.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Aperol-Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aperol-Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aperol-Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus?

Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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