Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus 🐟🍋🌿
This Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus is the answer to your “What’s for dinner?” dilemma. Light, flaky salmon is coated in fresh herbs and zesty lemon, then roasted alongside crisp-tender asparagus for a balanced, one-pan meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Quick to prep and beautiful enough for guests—it’s a weeknight dinner with weekend vibes. 💚
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Wonder 💚
- ✅ One-Pan Simplicity: Less mess, less stress, more flavor.
- ✅ Protein & Veggie Combo: Balanced, filling, and satisfying.
- ✅ Fresh & Light: Perfect for spring, summer, or any night you want to eat clean.
- ✅ Ready in 25 Minutes: From prep to plate with minimal effort.
🍽️ Lemon Herb Salmon & Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each) 🐟
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed 🥬
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced 🍋
- 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for depth) 🌿
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or dill) 🌱
- Salt & black pepper to taste 🧂
- Lemon slices for garnish 🍋
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, Dijon, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Prep the pan: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on one side of the pan. Arrange asparagus on the other side.
- Season: Brush or spoon the lemon herb mixture over both the salmon and asparagus evenly.
- Bake: Roast for 12–15 minutes or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Garnish & serve: Top with fresh lemon slices and extra herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately! 🍋
💡 Tips & Serving Ideas
- ✨ Don’t overbake: Salmon continues to cook after removing from the oven—pull it at 135°F internal temp for moist results.
- ✨ Customize your herbs: Try basil, dill, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
- ✨ Serving suggestions: Pair with quinoa, brown rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
- ✨ Make it buttery: Add a pat of herbed butter to the salmon after baking for richness.
🥗 Nutritional Benefits
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health, and it’s also a fantastic source of lean protein and vitamin D. Asparagus offers fiber, folate, and antioxidants while being low in calories. Combined with lemon and olive oil, this dish is anti-inflammatory, energizing, and gut-friendly.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Meal prep: Make salmon and asparagus ahead and store separately for up to 3 days.
- ✅ Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or covered in a skillet to avoid drying out the salmon.
- ✅ Cold option: Leftover salmon can be flaked into salads or grain bowls for a fresh lunch.
- ✅ Freezer tip: Freeze cooked salmon (without asparagus) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking. Pat dry to ensure even roasting.
What if I don’t like asparagus?
Swap in green beans, broccoli, or zucchini—they all roast beautifully with this lemon herb combo.
Can I cook this in foil?
Yes! Wrap the salmon and asparagus in foil for a steamed effect—perfect for juicy results or grilling.
Simple, Smart, and Full of Zest 💚
Tried this lemony salmon dinner? 💬 Let me know how you served it in the comments—or tag your one-pan masterpiece on Pinterest! Healthy dinners never looked so good (or cleaned up so easily).
