Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce

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

Delicate asparagus spears wrapped in smoked salmon, served with a tangy lemon-dill sauce that brightens each bite. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends trimmed asparagus spears, halved lengthwise smoked salmon slices, cream cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch 16 trimmed asparagus spears for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking; drain again.
  2. Step 2: Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Spread 1/4 cup cream cheese in a small bowl. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp finely chopped dill until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Wrap each asparagus spear with half a slice of smoked salmon, forming 8 bundles.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the bundles on a serving platter and drizzle with the lemon-dill sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

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 Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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 Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Mediterranean seafood 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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