Citrus-Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Avocado Salsa

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

Oven-baked salmon fillets infused with fresh citrus juice, paired with tender roasted asparagus and a refreshing avocado salsa. This whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, asparagus spears, avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice evenly over the fillets. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Arrange asparagus around the salmon on the baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake salmon and asparagus for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare avocado salsa by combining 1 diced medium avocado, 1 segmented medium grapefruit, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a bowl. Gently mix to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked salmon and asparagus topped with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa for a bright, fresh finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Avocado Salsa 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-Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Avocado Salsa?

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-Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Avocado Salsa?

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 and Avocado Salsa 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-Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Avocado Salsa whole30?

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

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