Baked Lemon-Thyme Salmon with Garlic Asparagus

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

Juicy salmon fillets baked with fresh lemon and thyme, served alongside tender asparagus sautéed with garlic. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium lemon, thinly sliced, fresh thyme sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 salmon fillets on the sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Top each salmon fillet with 1-2 thin lemon slices and 1 fresh thyme sprig. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While salmon bakes, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus to the skillet, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked salmon alongside the garlic asparagus, garnishing with any roasted lemon wedges from the baking sheet.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Thyme Salmon with Garlic Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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-Thyme 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Thyme 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-Thyme 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-Thyme 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.

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