Foil-Packet Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus
A simple foil-pack meal combining tender salmon fillets with fresh asparagus, lemon slices, and dill, perfect for campfire or grill cooking. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, trimmed asparagus spears, thinly sliced lemon 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 pieces, 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus spears
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 large sheets aluminum foil
Instructions
- Step 1: Lay out 4 large sheets of aluminum foil on a clean surface. Place one 6 oz salmon fillet in the center of each sheet.
- Step 2: Divide 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears evenly among the 4 sheets, arranging them alongside the salmon.
- Step 3: Drizzle 3 tbsp olive oil evenly over salmon and asparagus. Sprinkle 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly over each packet.
- Step 4: Top each salmon fillet with 2-3 thin lemon slices and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill evenly across all packets.
- Step 5: Fold the foil around the salmon and vegetables to create sealed packets.
- Step 6: Place the foil packets on a preheated grill or over campfire coals at medium heat (about 375°F). Cook for 15-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 7: Carefully open packets to avoid steam and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Foil-Packet Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Foil-Packet 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 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Foil-Packet 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 Foil-Packet Lemon-Dill 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 Foil-Packet Lemon-Dill 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.