Fresh Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus
Pan-seared salmon fillets with a zesty lemon-dill sauce, paired with perfectly steamed asparagus for a light yet satisfying dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 lbs, trimmed asparagus
- 4 lemon slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for 4-5 minutes more until fish flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 3: While salmon cooks, steam 1.5 lbs trimmed asparagus for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped dill. Drizzle sauce over salmon, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately with asparagus.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fresh 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 Fresh 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 Fresh 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 Fresh 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 Fresh 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
