Citrus and Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus

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

Tender baked salmon infused with fresh herbs and bright citrus, paired with oven-roasted asparagus for a light Whole30 seafood option. This whole30 (whole30) ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each salmon fillets, lemon zest, orange zest 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the herb-citrus marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush each fillet evenly with the marinade.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears around the salmon on the baking sheet. Drizzle asparagus with any remaining marinade.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving the salmon alongside the roasted asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus and Herb Baked 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 Citrus and Herb Baked Salmon with 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 zest from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Herb Baked 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 Citrus and Herb Baked 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.

Is Citrus and Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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