Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes

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

Perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with tender asparagus and sweet tomatoes, finished with a zesty lemon-dill sauce in just one pan. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (whole30) ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillets, asparagus, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.0 (10 ratings) Prep: 8 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon dry and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and add asparagus and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, arranging around the salmon.
  4. Step 4: Scatter lemon slices over the top, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover with a lid. Cook for 8 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon and vegetables from skillet, transfer to a plate, and sprinkle with chopped dill before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (8 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 Salmon with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Salmon with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes 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.

Is Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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