Description
A fast, flavorful one-pan dinner of baked salmon and asparagus topped with a lemon garlic herb butter. Ready in 20 minutes, this healthy, elegant meal is perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet, cut into six 6-ounce portions
- 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (for herb butter)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for herb butter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and position rack in top third. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange salmon fillets in a row in the center of the baking sheet. Place asparagus spears on either side.
- Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, then season asparagus and salmon with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread three-quarters of the herb butter over the salmon. Dot remaining butter over asparagus.
- Top each salmon portion with a lemon slice.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden finish, if desired. Serve immediately, spooning pan juices over top.
Notes
- Use dill or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the butter for heat.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Reduce butter to 4 tablespoons for a lighter version.
- Use thawed frozen salmon/asparagus if fresh isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with asparagus
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg