Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Tender salmon fillets baked to perfection with fresh herbs and lemon, served alongside crisp-tender asparagus for a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz) salmon fillets, olive oil, (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 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) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp (juiced) lemon
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh dill
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz (trimmed) asparagus
- 1 (sliced) lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Place 4 salmon fillets (each 6 oz) on the prepared baking sheet and brush each with 1 tbsp of the herb mixture, then top each with 2 lemon slices.
- Step 4: Arrange 12 oz trimmed asparagus around the salmon, drizzle with the remaining herb mixture, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp with slightly browned edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Herb 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 (6 oz) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb 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-Herb 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.
Is Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.