Pan-Seared Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus

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

A nutrient-dense meal featuring omega-3 rich salmon, roasted sweet potatoes, and crisp asparagus for sustained energy. This pacific northwest-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs each salmon fillet, avocado oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 555 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Pacific Northwest cuisine 555 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place 2 cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
  2. Step 2: Season salmon fillets with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is on) and cook for 4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for 5 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 bunch trimmed asparagus to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sweet Potato 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 each salmon fillet from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Sweet Potato 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 Sweet Potato 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 Sweet Potato and Asparagus?

Pacific Northwest 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