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Easy Baked Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

easy baked lemon herb salmon - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan dinner featuring flaky baked salmon with fresh lemon and herbs alongside perfectly roasted asparagus. Ready in about 25 minutes, this healthy and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each), wild-caught preferred
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound / 450 grams), trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, thinly sliced plus zest from half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and trim about 1 pound (450 grams) of asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In the bowl, combine 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, juice and zest of half a lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the asparagus until well coated.
  4. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on one side of the pan.
  5. Lay 4 skin-on salmon fillets on the other side of the pan. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then spoon some of the marinade over each fillet.
  6. Lay thin lemon slices over the salmon fillets for extra flavor and presentation.
  7. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender with lightly browned tips.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for a minute or two. Optionally, squeeze an extra lemon wedge over the top before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even roasting. If asparagus stalks are thick, slice them lengthwise for quicker cooking. Use a thermometer to check salmon doneness at 135°F (57°C) for best results. Pat salmon skin dry before seasoning for a crispier texture. Fresh herbs are preferred over dried for vibrant flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon herb salmon, sheet pan dinner, asparagus recipe, quick dinner, healthy dinner, easy salmon recipe