Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Asparagus and Avocado

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

Perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with vibrant lemon-dill asparagus and creamy avocado slices for a refreshing, nutrient-rich meal. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, sliced into thin rounds lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and salmon is opaque halfway through.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon, add 1 bunch (about 12 oz) asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces), 1 lemon (sliced into thin rounds), 1 tbsp fresh dill, and 1/2 tsp sea salt to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and salmon is fully cooked.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and asparagus to a plate. Top with remaining 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 lemon slice, and 1 sliced avocado.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Asparagus and Avocado 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 Lemon-Dill Asparagus and Avocado?

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 Lemon-Dill Asparagus and Avocado?

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 Lemon-Dill Asparagus and Avocado 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 Lemon-Dill Asparagus and Avocado whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes