Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus

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

Flaky salmon glazed with lemon and dill, paired with roasted asparagus for a balanced, healthy dinner. This french-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, asparagus spears, 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1.5 cups asparagus spears with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread in an even layer on the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Place salmon fillets on the asparagus and brush generously with the lemon-herb glaze. Roast for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and asparagus is tender.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional dill and lemon zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Salmon with Asparagus?

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-Herb 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 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus?

French seafood 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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