Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon-Herb Crust and Roasted Asparagus
Salmon fillets with a savory herb-crusted exterior paired with tender asparagus spears for a light yet satisfying keto dinner. This french-inspired seafood (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets, Dijon mustard, finely chopped fresh parsley 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 bunch, trimmed asparagus
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon dry with paper towels; season skin side with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until smoking slightly. Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and cook 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip salmon, spread mustard mixture evenly over top, and cook 3-4 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
- Step 4: While salmon cooks, toss asparagus with 1/2 tsp oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in a 425°F oven for 10-12 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Transfer salmon to a plate, skin-side up, and serve immediately with roasted asparagus.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon-Herb Crust and Roasted 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 Dijon-Herb Crust and Roasted 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 dijon mustard from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon-Herb Crust and Roasted 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 Dijon-Herb Crust and Roasted Asparagus 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.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon-Herb Crust and Roasted Asparagus low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect seafood recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.