We’ve got a new solution to an easy dinner that pleases everyone: this baked salmon and asparagus recipe! It’s simple and done in under 30 minutes, but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Roasting it up on a sheet pan with lemon slices and fresh herbs adds effortless flavor that feels fresh yet refined. Somehow in all our years of home cooking we’d never made a sheet pan meal exactly like this, and now it’s solidly in our repertoire! Alex and I love it for healthy weeknight dinners with a wedge salad. *See Seafood Watch Consumer Guide for details. 💡Pro tip: When working with asparagus: always trim off the tough, woody bottoms of the stalks. Here’s how to trim asparagus.
Fresh salmon is best. The very best salmon is fresh from your local seafood counter, not frozen. Buy wild caught salmon. Fish that is wild caught in your country is usually a sustainable choice. There are also quality options in well-regulated farms.*
How to make salmon and asparagus: step by step
For this salmon and asparagus recipe you’ll be cooking both at the same time. The asparagus should cook in about the same time as the salmon here, but you should base the timing on the salmon itself. For exact steps and quantities, go to the full recipe below. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place trimmed asparagus on the baking sheet and toss it with olive oil, salt and pepper. Step 2: Place salmon on the foil, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Place asparagus around the salmon and place lemon wheels on top. Squeeze lemon over everything and top with fresh herbs. Step 3: Bake 9 to 12 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the salmon is just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130°F in the center). Baking tip: Place lemon slices on the asparagus, not the salmon. Placing the lemon on top of the salmon makes the top gooey, not crispy: which is not as tasty!
Seasoning variations
Fresh lemon and herbs is simple, yet classic. Here’s what to know about adding these seasonings to salmon and asparagus:
Use fresh herbs like chives, thyme, mint, basil, or whatever you have on hand! We like chives and thyme from our garden. Mix it up with salmon seasoning. This homemade salmon seasoning is our favorite.
Sides to serve with salmon and asparagus
Make this baked salmon and asparagus recipe into a healthy meal by adding a salad or a whole grain. Here are some easy side dish recipes we’d pair with it:
Wedge salad: We’ve made it several times with a wedge salad and it’s a crisp contrast. Celery salad: This celery salad with apple and Parmesan is refreshing. Quinoa: Try this seasoned quinoa. Rice: Add lemon rice, basil rice, or jasmine rice. Farro: Add farro with herbs. Orzo or couscous: Go quick and simple with lemon orzo or easy cousous.
A few more salmon recipes
These salmon recipes are always a hit at our dinner table:
Frequently asked questions
4.5 from 2 reviews Storing leftovers: Cooked salmon lasts up to 3 days refrigerated. It’s great as is or try it in leftover salmon recipes like salmon salad or a salmon rice bowl.
