Citrus and Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Tender baked salmon infused with fresh herbs and bright citrus, paired with oven-roasted asparagus for a light Whole30 seafood option. This Whole30 recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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 pieces, about 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus spears
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush each fillet evenly with the marinade.
- Step 3: Arrange 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears around the salmon on the baking sheet. Drizzle asparagus with any remaining marinade.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- 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?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
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.
