Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon with Asparagus
A nutrient-dense salmon dish featuring zinc-rich pumpkin seeds to support skin health during Whole30, paired with roasted asparagus. This pacific northwest-inspired seafood (whole30 compliant) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, toasted pumpkin seeds, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 342 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), skin-on salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup, toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb, trimmed asparagus
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then pat 1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Step 2: Drizzle 1 tbsp avocado oil over the salmon and sprinkle with 1 tsp lemon zest. Place 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears on the baking sheet around the salmon.
- Step 3: Roast for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp with slightly browned edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Crusted 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 Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Crusted 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 toasted pumpkin seeds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Crusted 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 Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Crusted 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.
Is Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon with Asparagus whole30 compliant?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 compliant based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
