Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Asparagus and Avocado Oil Drizzle

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly cooked salmon fillets paired with tender asparagus and a fragrant garlic sauce, finished with a luxurious avocado oil glaze for a satisfying keto meal. This seafood-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, avocado oil, minced garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Seafood cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crispy, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until opaque and flaky.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Step 6: Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus to the skillet, season with 1/4 tsp salt, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges.
  7. Step 7: Return salmon to the skillet, nestling it beside the asparagus, and arrange 1 sliced lemon around the dish.
  8. Step 8: Drizzle with an extra 1 tsp avocado oil and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Asparagus and Avocado Oil Drizzle 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 Garlic-Asparagus and Avocado Oil Drizzle?

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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Asparagus and Avocado Oil Drizzle?

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 Garlic-Asparagus and Avocado Oil Drizzle 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.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Asparagus and Avocado Oil Drizzle low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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