Herb-Roasted Lemon Salmon with Asparagus
A simple, elegant sheet-pan dinner with flaky salmon and tender asparagus, dressed in a zesty lemon-herb sauce that elevates weeknight cooking. This mediterranean-inspired sheet pan ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, bunch (about 12 oz), trimmed asparagus, 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 (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets
- 1 bunch (about 12 oz), trimmed asparagus
- 2, thinly sliced lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp, chopped dill
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange asparagus in a single layer, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down on asparagus, top with lemon slices, and dot with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Step 3: Roast for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 125°F/52°C for medium).
- Step 4: Remove from oven, scatter fresh dill over salmon, and squeeze extra lemon juice over everything. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Lemon Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Roasted Lemon 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 thinly sliced lemon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Lemon 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-Roasted Lemon 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 Herb-Roasted Lemon Salmon with Asparagus?
Mediterranean sheet pan 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
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to sheet pan dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.