Recipe: Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Asparagus

A delicious dinner doesn’t have to mean a long ingredient list or a sink full of dishes. This Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Asparagus brings tender salmon, crisp-tender asparagus, and juicy cherry tomatoes together on one pan, finished with bright lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and fresh parsley.

Whether you’re cooking for two or looking for an easy meal after a busy day, this colorful recipe makes dinner feel special with very little preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: Just 10 minutes of hands-on prep before the pan goes into the oven.
• Easy cleanup: The salmon and vegetables cook together on one sheet pan.
• Fresh flavor: Lemon, garlic, and herbs complement the salmon without a heavy sauce.
• Flexible serving options: Enjoy it as written or add rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.

Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Asparagus

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–18 minutes
Total time: About 22–28 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets, 5–6 ounces each, fully thawed
• 8 ounces asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, using 1 tablespoon juice plus several slices
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper rated for that temperature.

2. Season the vegetables.
Toss the asparagus and cherry tomatoes with ½ tablespoon olive oil and half the salt and pepper. Spread them around the edges of the baking sheet, leaving room for the salmon in the center.

3. Add the salmon.
Pat the fillets dry and place them skin-side down in the center of the pan.

4. Make the lemon-garlic mixture.
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and remaining salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture over the salmon and top with lemon slices.

5. Bake.
Roast for 12–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer; the salmon is ready when it reaches 145°F. Remove the fish when done and give the vegetables a few extra minutes if needed.

6. Finish and serve.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Spoon any lemony pan juices over the salmon and vegetables.

Tips for a Delicious Result

Choose similar-sized fillets. Salmon pieces of roughly equal thickness will cook more evenly.

Give thick asparagus a head start. If the stalks are especially thick, roast the vegetables for about 5 minutes before adding the salmon.

Leave room on the pan. Spread the vegetables into a single layer so they roast evenly. Use a larger pan when doubling the recipe.

Check early. Thin salmon fillets may finish before the full cooking time. A thermometer helps you avoid overcooking them.

What to Serve With It

For a more filling meal, pair your salmon and vegetables with:

• Fluffy quinoa or brown rice
• Roasted baby potatoes
• A simple cucumber salad
• Warm whole-grain bread

If you’re preparing a side dish, start it first so everything is ready at approximately the same time.

Easy Variations

Try another herb. Replace the oregano with dried dill, or finish with fresh dill instead of parsley.

Add a little heat. Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper into the lemon-garlic mixture.

Switch the vegetables. Thin green beans or sliced zucchini can stand in for asparagus. Adjust the cooking time to suit their size and tenderness.

A Little Less Waste in the Kitchen

Buy the amount of salmon you need, choose loose vegetables when practical, and save the unused lemon for another meal. If your asparagus has tender upper stalks left after trimming, slice them into a soup, stir-fry, or grain bowl.

Bring Something Fresh to the Table

This Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy way to bring bright flavors and colorful ingredients to your dinner routine. With one pan and a few everyday ingredients, you can make a meal worth slowing down to enjoy.

Download recipe and try it on next the busy weeknight!

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