How to Make the Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon with Asparagus
Mediterranean · Easy · 26 min · 4 servings
This one pan salmon dish features flaky fillets baked alongside tender asparagus in a bright garlic lemon dressing for a complete paleo meal with minimal cleanup. It is naturally grain free and dairy free and comes together in under 30 minutes for a healthy and elegant weeknight dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Lemon Salmon with Asparagus recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 26 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 36g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 6 oz fillets salmon skin on
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer across the center of the prepared sheet.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Dressing
Whisk together olive oil lemon juice lemon zest and minced garlic in a small bowl. Season with sea salt and black pepper then drizzle half the mixture over the asparagus and toss to coat.
Step 3: Add Salmon and Bake
Place the salmon fillets skin side down on top of or beside the asparagus on the sheet pan. Spoon the remaining garlic lemon dressing over the salmon fillets and bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
Step 4: Check Doneness and Serve
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Serve immediately directly from the pan with extra lemon wedges and fresh dill for garnish.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- salmon → halibut or cod fillets for a milder white fish option
- asparagus → green beans or broccolini which roast beautifully alongside the fish
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overbaking the salmon past 18 minutes which causes it to become dry and chalky instead of moist and flaky
- Placing asparagus under the salmon which traps steam and prevents the vegetables from roasting properly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 36g protein, 8g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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