Lemon-Garlic Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection with aromatic lemon-garlic seasoning, served alongside tender-crisp asparagus for a bright, elegant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) salmon fillets, avocado oil, minced 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.

★ 3.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and salmon is golden.
  2. Step 2: Remove salmon and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to skillet, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Step 3: Add asparagus to skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Return salmon to skillet, add lemon juice and dill, and cook for 1 more minute until warmed through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared 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 avocado oil from drying out.

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

Mediterranean 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.

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