Lemon-Dill Baked Salmon with Crispy Asparagus
Flaky salmon fillets baked with fresh lemon and dill, accompanied by tender asparagus spears for a light and flavorful dinner. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, divided avocado oil, chopped fresh dill 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 (12 oz), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 tbsp, divided avocado oil
- 2, thinly sliced (1 for salmon, 1 for juice) lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp avocado oil, and toss to coat; season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Roast asparagus for 12-15 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly charred at the tips.
- Step 3: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Place skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each fillet with 2 lemon slices, 1/2 tbsp fresh dill, 1/4 tsp minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Drizzle with 1 tbsp avocado oil and juice of 1/2 lemon.
- Step 5: Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 6: Remove from oven, garnish with remaining fresh dill, and serve immediately with roasted asparagus.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Baked Salmon with Crispy 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 Lemon-Dill Baked Salmon with Crispy 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 divided avocado oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Baked Salmon with Crispy 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 Lemon-Dill Baked Salmon with Crispy 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 Lemon-Dill Baked Salmon with Crispy Asparagus?
American whole30 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
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.