Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus and Pea Salad

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

Perfectly seared salmon served with a vibrant side of asparagus and peas tossed in a lemon-dill vinaigrette. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each, 170g each) Salmon fillets, (340g) Asparagus, (150g) Peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp fresh dill. Brush mixture over salmon and let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 12 oz asparagus, 1 cup peas, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Serve salmon with the asparagus and pea mixture and a side of mixed green salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus and Pea Salad 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus and Pea Salad?

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 (340g) asparagus from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus and Pea Salad?

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 and Pea Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 and Pea Salad?

American 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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