Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus

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

Salmon with crisp skin and fresh herbs, paired with perfectly roasted asparagus for a balanced meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, trimmed asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on, dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crispy and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and add 1 lb trimmed asparagus to skillet, along with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 4-5 minutes until salmon is opaque throughout and asparagus is tender-crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Herb-Infused Pan-Seared 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 trimmed asparagus from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Pan-Seared 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 Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Herb-Infused Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus?

American 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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