Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Asparagus
A perfectly seared salmon fillet with a crisp herb crust, paired with tender lemon-garlicky asparagus for a high-protein, keto-friendly meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, high protein) ready in about 29 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, extra virgin olive oil, zested and 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 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 12 oz, trimmed asparagus
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season skin-side with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until skin is golden and crisp, then flip and sear for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Transfer salmon to the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Top with lemon zest, 1 tsp dill, 1/2 tsp parsley, and minced garlic. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 4: Arrange asparagus around salmon, drizzle with remaining 1 tsp olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt. Roast for 12-14 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Garnish with remaining dill and parsley, then serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 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 Crusted 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Crusted 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 Crusted Salmon with Asparagus 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-Herb Crusted Salmon with Asparagus keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
