Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets with bright lemon and dill, served alongside roasted asparagus and burst cherry tomatoes in under 25 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 24 minutes pairs salmon fillets, asparagus, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 12 oz trimmed asparagus and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and tomatoes are slightly blistered.
  2. Step 2: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry, season with 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper, then place skin-side down in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and golden, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until opaque.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp chopped dill in a small bowl. Drizzle over salmon and scatter roasted vegetables around the plate.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 24 minutes (10 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 Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 and Cherry Tomatoes 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 and Cherry Tomatoes?

Mediterranean quick meals 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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