Baked Lemon-Herb Salmon with Garlic Asparagus
Moist salmon fillets baked with lemon and fresh herbs, paired with garlic-infused asparagus for a bright, healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus spears
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 3 cloves minced garlic.
- Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each fillet generously with half of the lemon-dill mixture. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Arrange 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears on the baking sheet next to the salmon. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Serve the salmon and asparagus warm, spooning any pan juices over the fish for extra flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lemon-Herb Salmon with Garlic 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 Baked Lemon-Herb Salmon with Garlic Asparagus?
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 lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Herb Salmon with Garlic 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 Baked Lemon-Herb Salmon with Garlic 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 Baked Lemon-Herb Salmon with Garlic Asparagus?
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.
