Simple Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill glaze, served alongside tender asparagus. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, asparagus, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 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: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 345 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down in a cold skillet, then heat over medium-low for 5 minutes until skin is crisp. Flip and cook for 4 minutes more.
  2. Step 2: Remove salmon and set aside. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then cook 1 minced garlic clove for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus and cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the asparagus, then add 1/4 cup white wine and 2 tbsp fresh dill.
  4. Step 4: Return salmon to the skillet and cook for 1 minute to warm through, spooning the lemon-dill sauce over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Simple Lemon-Dill 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 Simple Lemon-Dill 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 Simple Lemon-Dill 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 Simple Lemon-Dill Salmon with Asparagus?

American 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.

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