Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill sauce, paired with tender asparagus for a low-carb, high-protein dinner. This american-inspired seafood (keto, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) Salmon fillets, tablespoons Olive oil, (zested and juiced) Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 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 ounces each) Salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 (zested and juiced) Lemon
- 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh dill
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces Asparagus
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound trimmed asparagus (cut into 2-inch pieces) and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender with light brown edges.
- Step 2: Pat 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: In the same skillet (after removing the asparagus and setting aside), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, the zest of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill.
- Step 5: Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for 1 minute, then serve immediately with the asparagus.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Keto Lemon-Dill 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Lemon-Dill 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 Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared 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.
Is Keto Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.