Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce
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 pairs trimmed asparagus spears, halved lengthwise smoked salmon slices, cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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.
Ingredients
- 16, trimmed asparagus spears
- 8 slices, halved lengthwise smoked salmon slices
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp, fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped dill
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 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.
- Step 4: Wrap each asparagus spear with half a slice of smoked salmon, forming 8 bundles.
- Step 5: Arrange the bundles on a serving platter and drizzle with the lemon-dill sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep trimmed asparagus spears from drying out.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing as a weeknight meal. My family devoured it.
- ★★★★★
Loved the lemon-dill sauce! Perfect for a special dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, cooked perfectly. Will make again.