Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus
A quick, protein-packed keto dinner featuring perfectly seared salmon with bright lemon-dill notes and tender-crisp roasted asparagus, ready in 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb, high protein) ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 6 oz salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh dill
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 8 oz asparagus
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then rub 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper evenly over both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then place salmon skin-side down.
- Step 3: Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp, then flip with a spatula.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp fresh dill and 1/2 tsp lemon zest to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes more until salmon is opaque at the thickest part.
- Step 5: While salmon cooks, toss 8 oz trimmed asparagus with 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt on a baking sheet.
- Step 6: Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp with slight char at the tips.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Crispy Lemon-Dill 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 salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Dill 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 Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Crispy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.