Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Salmon with Asparagus
Roasted salmon fillets with bright lemon and garlic aromas, paired with tender-crisp asparagus on a single pan for a simple, elegant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, thinly sliced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp for salmon, 1/4 tsp for asparagus salt
- 1/4 tsp for salmon, 1/4 tsp for asparagus black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
- Step 2: Place 1 lb trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with 3 minced garlic cloves, and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Step 3: Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets on top of the asparagus. Top each fillet with 4 thin lemon slices.
- Step 4: Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender-crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Salmon with 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 Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Salmon with 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Salmon with 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 Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Salmon with Asparagus 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.
What goes well with Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Salmon with 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
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
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