Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Sauce
Tender, flaky salmon, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce—what’s not to love? This easy baked salmon dish is light, flavorful, and comes together in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy-feeling meal without the fuss!
We all have those nights when you want something fancy-ish but also don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
That’s exactly why this baked salmon with asparagus and lemon garlic sauce is a total lifesaver.
It’s one of those meals that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and—best part—requires almost zero effort.
Here’s the deal: the salmon turns out perfectly flaky, the asparagus gets that slightly crispy, roasted edge, and everything is drenched in a buttery, garlicky, lemony sauce that makes you feel like a gourmet chef (without actually being one).
It’s bright, fresh, and honestly? Kind of addicting. I made it once for a random weeknight dinner, and now it’s a go-to anytime I want something that feels special but takes less than 30 minutes.
And let’s be real—one-pan dinners are the move. No one has time for a pile of dishes after dinner.
Just toss everything on a baking sheet, pop it in the oven, and boom—you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal with almost no cleanup.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or trying to impress someone (wink), this dish delivers every single time.
Nutritional Information & Timing:
➤ Prep Time: 10 minutes
➤ Cook Time: 15 minutes
➤ Total Time: 25 minutes
➤ Servings: 4
➤ Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super Easy – We’re talking one-pan, minimal clean-up, and no complicated steps.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Plus, salmon is a great source of Omega-3s.
✔ Bursting with Flavor – The combo of garlic, butter, lemon, and fresh parsley? Absolute magic.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – It reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Ingredients:
● 4 salmon fillets
● 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● Salt and pepper, to taste
● 2 garlic cloves, minced
● Zest of 1 lemon
● Juice of 1 lemon
● 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
● 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
● Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prep the Salmon & Asparagus
● Grab a baking sheet and line it with foil or parchment paper.
● Place the salmon fillets on one side of the sheet and the asparagus on the other.
● Drizzle everything with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, and fresh parsley. This sauce is where all the magic happens—so don’t skip it!
4. Drizzle & Wrap
● Pour the lemon garlic sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
● If you want ultra-tender, juicy salmon, loosely tent the foil over the fish (this locks in all the moisture).
5. Bake to Perfection
● Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
● If you like a little crispiness on the edges, uncover for the last 2-3 minutes and broil on high.
6. Serve & Enjoy
● Carefully remove from the oven, plate up, and garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices.
● Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are a few pairing ideas:
✔ Fluffy rice or quinoa – Soaks up all that lemon garlic goodness.
✔ Roasted potatoes – Because who doesn’t love crispy, golden potatoes?
✔ A simple side salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness perfectly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
2. What if I don’t have fresh parsley? No worries—dried parsley works fine, or you can swap it for dill or basil.
3. Can I make this in the air fryer? Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
4. How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
5. Can I use a different fish? For sure! Cod, trout, or halibut would all work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! A restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes, made with fresh, simple ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Sauce will be a guaranteed hit.
So, what do you think? Are you making this tonight? Let me know in the comments below! Happy cooking!
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