Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce and Asparagus

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

Salmon fillets seared to perfection with a bright dill sauce and tender roasted asparagus for a balanced dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs salmon fillets, asparagus, dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Trim asparagus spears, discarding tough ends, and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until tender-crisp.
  2. Step 2: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Sear salmon skin-side down for 4 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until just opaque in the center.
  4. Step 4: While salmon cooks, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped dill in a small bowl. Remove salmon from skillet, place on a plate, and spoon dill sauce over the top. Serve immediately with roasted asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce and Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Dill Sauce and Asparagus?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce 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 Dill Sauce and 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 Dill Sauce and Asparagus?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes