Sear-Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Asparagus

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

Perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with tender roasted asparagus, brightened by fresh lemon and dill. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs Salmon fillets, Asparagus, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 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: Pat 6 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes until opaque in the center.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, place 12 oz trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Roast at 400°F for 12 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over salmon, then garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Grilled Salmon with Lemon 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 Sear-Grilled Salmon with Lemon 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 Sear-Grilled Salmon with Lemon 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 Sear-Grilled Salmon with Lemon 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 Sear-Grilled Salmon with Lemon 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes