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Quick Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

Quick Lemon Herb Salmon - featured image

A fast, healthy, and flavorful dinner recipe featuring moist salmon fillets roasted with tender-crisp asparagus, brightened with fresh lemon and herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces each
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 12 ounces), trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rinse and trim the tough ends off the asparagus (about 1-2 inches). Pat dry thoroughly to avoid steaming.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to blend.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with half of the lemon herb mixture. Set aside the remaining dressing for the asparagus.
  5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Spread the asparagus around the salmon in a single layer.
  6. Pour the remaining lemon herb mixture evenly over the asparagus. Toss lightly with tongs to coat.
  7. Transfer to the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender yet crisp.
  8. Remove from oven and let salmon rest for 2 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over salmon and asparagus before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming asparagus. For extra crispy skin, broil salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully. Let salmon rest after cooking to keep it moist. If salmon is thicker than 1 inch, add 2-3 minutes to cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, asparagus, lemon herb salmon, healthy dinner, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, roasted asparagus, weeknight meal