Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Asparagus

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill finish, served alongside tender garlic-roasted asparagus. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, extra-virgin 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 420 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea 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. Add salmon skin-side down, pressing gently with a spatula; cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon, add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet; cook for 3 more minutes until salmon reaches 125°F internally.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Roast on a sheet pan at 425°F for 12 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from pan; swirl remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice and dill into the skillet. Pour sauce over salmon and serve immediately with roasted asparagus.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-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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