Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Mustard Glaze and Asparagus

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

Salmon fillets pan-seared to crisp skin, glazed with a tangy Dijon mustard sauce and served alongside tender asparagus. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs skin-on, about 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, Dijon mustard 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Season 4 skin-on salmon fillets evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then brush the tops generously with the prepared Dijon mustard glaze.
  6. Step 6: Add 1 pound trimmed asparagus spears to the skillet around the salmon, tossing gently in the oil and cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve the salmon with asparagus on the side, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Mustard Glaze and Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Mustard Glaze and 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 Dijon Mustard Glaze and 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 Mustard Glaze and 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Mustard Glaze and 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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