Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus
A quick and elegant dinner featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets with crispy skin, paired with tender asparagus. Fresh dill adds a bright note without any added sugar or dairy. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets, olive oil, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bunch (about 12 oz), trimmed asparagus
- 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp, finely chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2 minutes). Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, until skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
- Step 4: While salmon cooks, toss asparagus with 1/2 tsp olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add to the skillet in a single layer, cut-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender, flipping once.
- Step 5: Remove salmon and asparagus from the skillet. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh dill. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus?
American whole30 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
