Foil-Packet Maple Mustard Salmon with Asparagus
Tender salmon fillets and crisp asparagus spears roasted in foil packets, glazed with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce for easy campfire cooking. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 28 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, trimmed asparagus spears, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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 lb, trimmed asparagus spears
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
- Step 2: Lay out 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place 1 salmon fillet (6 oz) in the center of each sheet, and divide 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears evenly around the fillets.
- Step 3: Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil evenly over the salmon and asparagus, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Spoon the maple mustard glaze evenly over each salmon fillet.
- Step 5: Fold the foil over the salmon and asparagus to create sealed packets. Place the packets on hot campfire coals or a grill over medium heat.
- Step 6: Cook for 15-18 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender.
- Step 7: Carefully open the packets and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Foil-Packet Maple Mustard Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Maple Mustard 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 Maple Mustard 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 Maple Mustard 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 Maple Mustard Salmon with Asparagus?
American grilling 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.