Garlic-Herb Salmon with Lemon-Dill Asparagus

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

Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a crispy herb crust, served with tender asparagus spears and a bright lemon-dill sauce for a light yet flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 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 380 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper onto both sides of each fillet. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped dill and 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
  2. Step 2: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and sear for 4 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon, add 1/2 cup water to the skillet, and transfer to a preheated 400°F oven. Roast for 8-10 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While salmon cooks, toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tbsp olive oil on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 12 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon and asparagus from oven. Stir 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and remaining 1 tbsp chopped dill into the skillet drippings for 30 seconds. Drizzle sauce over salmon and asparagus before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Herb Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Garlic-Herb Salmon with Lemon-Dill Asparagus?

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 Garlic-Herb Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Garlic-Herb Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Garlic-Herb Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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.

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