Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Asparagus
Oven-roasted salmon infused with fresh lemon and thyme, served alongside tender asparagus sautéed with garlic for a bright and healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bunch (12 oz), trimmed asparagus
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 2 salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 2: Roast salmon for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While salmon roasts, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 bunch trimmed asparagus and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Remove salmon and asparagus from heat. Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice over asparagus and serve immediately alongside the salmon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic 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 each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic 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-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic 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-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Asparagus?
Mediterranean 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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