Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill sauce, served alongside tender roasted asparagus for a healthy and elegant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, zested and juiced lemon, fresh, chopped dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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) salmon fillets
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh, chopped dill
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4, for garnish lemon slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F; toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet, then roast for 12-15 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 2: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry, then season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp lemon zest; set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; add salmon skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until skin is crispy, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until medium-rare (internal temperature 125°F).
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet, then add 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet, stirring until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and serve immediately with roasted asparagus and lemon slices for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Asparagus low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
