Lemon-Garlic Baked Salmon with Asparagus
A simple sheet pan dinner with succulent salmon and tender asparagus, enriched with anti-inflammatory omega-3s and lemon for skin health. This mediterranean-inspired sheet pan ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, avocado oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Trim asparagus spears, toss with 1 tbsp avocado oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper; spread in a single layer.
- Step 3: Place salmon fillets on asparagus, skin-side down. Top each with minced garlic, lemon slices, and rosemary.
- Step 4: Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, then season with remaining salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Bake 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Baked Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Baked 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 salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Baked 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 Lemon-Garlic Baked 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Baked Salmon with Asparagus?
Mediterranean sheet pan 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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
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Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.