Citrus-Baked Salmon with Asparagus
A delicate, golden-hued salmon fillet with lemon-herb glaze, served alongside tender asparagus for a dish that shines with simplicity. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 24 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, large lemon, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 lb asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 4 salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Zest and juice 1 large lemon, then mix zest with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Rub evenly over salmon fillets.
- Step 2: Trim 1 lb asparagus and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Arrange around salmon on the sheet.
- Step 3: Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving to brighten the dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Baked Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 24 minutes (10 min prep + 14 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-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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-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-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.
What goes well with Citrus-Baked Salmon with 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
