Print

Easy Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus

easy lemon herb baked salmon - featured image

A quick and easy baked salmon recipe with fresh lemon and herbs, paired with perfectly roasted asparagus. Ideal for healthy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), ends trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rinse and pat dry the asparagus, then trim about 1 to 2 inches off the woody ends. Place in a mixing bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Spread asparagus in a single layer on one side of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place skin-side down on the empty side of the baking sheet, leaving space between each fillet.
  5. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir well.
  6. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Lay about 2 lemon slices on top of each fillet.
  7. Bake on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and asparagus is tender-crisp. For more well-done asparagus, add 2-3 extra minutes but watch salmon closely.
  8. Check doneness: salmon should be opaque and flake with a fork; 125°F (52°C) internal temperature is ideal for medium doneness.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes to redistribute juices.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and help herb mixture stick. Use lemon slices on top for moisture and flavor. If fillets vary in thickness, fold thinner ends under or adjust cooking time. For a charred asparagus finish, broil for last 2 minutes watching closely. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for even roasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb baked salmon, asparagus, quick dinner, healthy salmon recipe, easy baked salmon, weeknight dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free