One Pan Salmon and Asparagus with Garlic Herb Butter
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This one pan salmon and asparagus is so quick and easy to prepare and you’ll have dinner on the table in 25 minutes!! Want to know a secret? The flavored butter is the same that I used on my wildly popular turkey recipe. Make it once and you’ll realize that flavored butter is what we call “gold” in the recipe world.
The garlic-herb-lemon butter melts, penetrating deep into the salmon and coats the asparagus with ridiculously amazing flavor. You’ll savor every bite! This is absolutely special occasion delicious, but is easy enough to treat your family on a busy weeknight. Great big, delicious thank you to the Salmon Council for sponsoring this recipe.
Watch How to Make Easy Salmon and Asparagus:
My kids LOVED this salmon and asparagus, which is a BIG DEAL. My 2-year old had her mouth open like a little bird before I could get more salmon on the fork. Yeah, that made me feel pretty good knowing that salmon is full of brain and heart boosting Omega 3 fatty acids. P.S. I’ve been making this salmon with 6 Tbsp butter instead of 8 and it works just as well which is why the recipe states 6 Tbsp butter.
Ingredients for Roasted Salmon and Asparagus:
1 1/2 to 2 lb salmon filet
2 bunches (2 lbs) asparagus
Salt and Black Pepper
1 Tbsp Olive Oil, to drizzle asparagus
1/2 large lemon, sliced into rings for garnish
For the Flavored Butter:
6 Tbsp (85 grams)* unsalted butter, softened (**see quick softening tip)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 large lemon)
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
*If you want to make this dish a little lighter, you can reduce the butter to 6 Tbsp. Keep in mind alot of the butter stays in the pan and isn’t eaten, but it sure does flavor everything really well!
**How to Quickly Soften Butter: Place wrapped stick of butter in airtight ziploc bag and submerge the bag in warm (100˚F), not hot, water, placing a weight over the top so it does’t float. Let sit 10 -15 minutes or until softened.
How to Make One-Pan Salmon and Asparagus:
Prep: Preheat oven to 450˚F with oven rack in top third of the oven (place rack 1 level up from the center.) Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper so edges barely go past the borders. If you don’t trim the paper to fit the pan, it can char in the oven, especially when you broil.
1. In a small bowl, mash together all flavored butter ingredients, mashing and stirring until lemon juice is incorporated into butter then set aside. It takes a couple minutes but it will come together, don’t worry :).
2. Place salmon filet skin-side-down long-ways in the center of your baking pan. Rinse asparagus and break off ends by holding the base end and breaking it wherever it snaps – this ensures the ends will not be too fibrous/chewy. Arrange asparagus around salmon, drizzle asparagus lightly with olive oil. Roll asparagus to coat lightly in oil and sprinkle both asparagus and salmon with salt and pepper.
3. Spoon and spread 3/4 of butter mixture evenly over salmon. Dot asparagus with remaining herb butter. Scatter with slices of lemon and bake at 450˚F for 10-12 mins (smaller 1 1/2 lb thinner fillet will take 10 min and a larger 2 lb fillet will take 12 min), then turn the oven to Broil on High and broil 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a golden glow.
February is American Heart Month and incorporating more salmon in your diet has so many benefits for heart health including Omega 3 fatty acids (did you know salmon is one of the best natural sources of omega 3’s?). Salmon is also rich in DHA and EPA which helps to increase the “good” cholesterol that you want – helping to clean your arteries, and improve circulation to your heart. It also helps to reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots.
And – it just tastes truly amazing! My husband called this “5-star restaurant quality” and he walked over for a refill ;).
One Pan Salmon and Asparagus with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Asparagus:
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb salmon filet
- 2 bunches, 2 lbs asparagus
- Salt and Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil, to drizzle asparagus
- 1/2 large lemon, sliced into rings for garnish
For the Flavored Butter:
- 6 Tbsp 85 grams* unsalted butter, softened (**see quick softening tip)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, from 1/2 large lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat oven to 450˚F with oven rack in top third of oven. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and trim paper so edges to fit the pan, otherwise it can char in the oven, especially when broiling.
How to Make One-Pan Salmon and Asparagus:
- In a small bowl, mash together all flavored butter ingredients, mashing and stirring until lemon juice is incorporated into butter then set aside. It takes a couple minutes but it will come together.
- Place salmon filet skin-side-dow in the center of your baking pan. Rinse asparagus and break off fibrous ends by holding the base end and breaking it wherever it snaps. Arrange asparagus around salmon, drizzle asparagus lightly with olive oil. Roll asparagus to coat lightly in oil and sprinkle both asparagus and salmon with salt and pepper.
- Spoon and spread 3/4 of butter mixture over salmon. Dot asparagus with remaining herb butter. Scatter with slices of lemon and bake at 450˚F for 10-12 mins (smaller 1 1/2 lb thinner fillet will take 10 min and a larger 2 lb fillet will take 12 min), then turn the oven to Broil on High and broil 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a golden glow. Bake until salmon is flaky and cooked through.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
We’re completely smitten with this salmon – wholesome and truly delicious. If you’re looking for more salmon inspiration, check out all of our salmon recipes here and be sure to follow Hooked on Salmon on Pinterest and Facebook for more delicious dinner-time inspiration.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Salmon Council. The opinions and text are all mine.
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Looks like I’m the only one who had this problem – I made it exactly per recipe. But the asparagus turned out waaaaay overcooked – limp & shriveled. Tasted good, but next time I’m putting it in halfway through the cooking.
Hi Berni, thanks for sharing that. If you are using very slim asparagus spears, they will cook faster in which case, it is a good idea to put them in later. Also, if you prefer a more crisp asparagus they can go in later in the cooking process.
Hi Natasha,
I’m sorry if this is a repeat question but instead of using salmon, will this recipe work with chicken thighs? I only have chicken thighs in my refrigerator and need to use them.
-Fivi
Hi Fivi, I think that would be fine but I have not tested this specific recipe with chicken thighs to advise. You may need to adjust the oven temperature and make sure the meat is cooked through to 165℉ for safe consumption. You can reference this chicken thigh recipe for ideas. I hope that helps.
I usually pan-fry salmon and simply steam the asparagus to accompany it, just adding salt & pepper in the belief that it needs no more flavouring than that. However tonight after watching your video, I decided to try this recipe and am I glad I did! A wonderful recipe, so easy and yet so elegant and delicious. We loved it and it’s goodbye to pan-fried from now on. Thanks Natasha for yet another stunning recipe.
So glad you tried this recipe, Janice! Thank you for your wonderful feedback!
I made this last night but did it on the grill. It was delicious! I will definitely make it again! I have been trying different salmon recipes because I don’t really love salmon (but want to!) and this recipe has definitely won me over!
Thanks! I love all your recipes and videos.
I’m so glad you loved it, Sandy! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Hi Natasha, I am a big fan of yours and have referred your website to many a friend. Your recipes are great and I haven’t found one yet that I didn’t like!! With summer coming I cook a lot on the grill, can I prepare this salmon sealed in heavy duty foil and put on the grill? If so, on what temp and for how long? Sorry no time to read all reviews to see if anyone asked already!!
Hello Gerri, thanks a lot for the support. I have not tested this in the grill to advise of the timing. I think that will work. but you’ll have to do an experiment. Please update us on how it goes if you decide to give it a try!
I made this on the grill. I used foil instead of parchment paper, salmon with skin on, and cooked it at about 400 degrees. Gave it a little longer to cook, and it turned out perfectly!
Sandy
That’s great, Sandy! So glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Looking for the Nutrition Facts for the salmon and asparagus recipe.
Hi JB, when I need a quick answer; I have used CalorieCount (their recipe analyzer is free). I haven’t updated the old recipes on my website but the new ones have them already.
This was delicious! My five year old gobbled it up! Super easy to make…I didn’t get fresh parsley but subbed dried parsley and it seemed to work fine. Thank you for another great recipe!
Hi Sara! That is great. So happy your family enjoyed this recipe.
That looks yummy, love salmon and asparagus. Will be making that tomorrow. On the smoker
Such a joy to watch you cook. lol
I hope you love it, Pete! I bet it’s going to be so good on the smoker!
Easy and delicious!! Thank you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Made this for company last night to rave reviews. It was so good and so easy. That garlic butter is awesome!
That’s awesome feedback, Barbara. Thanks for sharing that with us!
This recipe is delicious. I follow the recipe exactly and it is perfect every time. I have made this for families, when meals have been needed, and every time I am told it is restaurant worthy! I agree! Thank you for sharing this.
That’s so great! Thank you for this lovely review, Catherine!
Simple and delicious! I work from home and made this for a quick lunch today. I used one portion of salmon and half a bunch of asparagus, scaling the ingredients and cooking time accordingly. Quick, healthful, tender, and tasty–will be making again!
Yum! Totally craving this now. The perfect meal to make while working from home! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Sabrina!
Just got finished prepping, it took me 45 minutes. Then the butter wouldn’t spread on the salmon. It took me 10 minutes to stir the butter mixture alone. Not happy with this so far, praying it tastes good.
Hi Jill, patting the salmon dry with papertowels helps for it to go on easier and it’s ok if all of the lemon doesn’t blend into the butter – it will all turn out delicious as the butter melts, and it all melds together in the oven.
I have tried various salmon recipes hoping to come up with ‘The One’. Well, much to my delight my husband finally declared that I need to stay with this one!! It really is a delicious pan dinner. Thanks, Natasha!
Wow, that makes my heart happy! Thanks to the both of you for sharing your wonderful review with us.
I didn’t have asparagus so I just cut the butter recipe in half. It was DELICIOUS!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
I cooked the One Pan Salmon and Asparagus….OMG! my family and guess enjoyed it soooo much…they had seconds and thirds! 😍😍😍 Will be staple in our family dinners!
Awesome! That makes me happy, thanks for sharing that with us. We appreciate your good feedback
Parchment paper is only safe up to 425 degrees & you call for 450 degrees & then broil??? Maybe why it smoked a lot?
Hi, make sure you don’t have excess parchment going above the rim of the baking sheet. I haven’t had it smoke, but you can skip the broiling at the end and bake an extra few minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Also, make sure not to use an extra virgin olive oil which has a lower smoke point.
Hi Natasha! Can I use Lime and Dill instead of Parsley and lemon for the butter sauce? I only ask because thats all I have in the fridge! lol
I imagine that should work too, we’ll have to just settle for what is available at the moment. Please let us know how it goes!
I goofed – when baking in the oven it smoked a lot. What did I do wrong???
Hi Lindsay, did you possibly broil too long or use extra virgin olive oil which has a lower smoke point? Also, make sure to bake on conventional bake mode and not convection.
Great recipe! The timing was perfect on the salmon and my kids loved it!
AWw! That is the best when kids love the recipes we parents make! That’s so great!
Very good indeed! Super simple and easy. The price I paid for delicious salmon was good invested money.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Soooo good!!! I felt like I was eating at a restaurant! Hubby, who’s not a fan of asparagus, loved it cooked this way! Definitely will be making again as finances allow. Good salmon is not cheap!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Sandra!
Delicious! Excellent recipe. Very healthy. Another keeper from Natasha!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Michael!
I love butter, but my family doesn’t eat butter (they are pescatarian). Can margarine work in the place of butter? Or is there another non-animal alternative that you suggest?
Hi Christie, I haven’t experimented with margarine on this. I think it would still work to just use more olive oil and omit the butter.
My salmon has skin on one side. Should I remove it or just leave it on?
HI Linda, you can do it either way. The fillet pictured here has the skin on.
Hi Linda, you can do it either way. The fillet pictured here has the skin on.
So so good!! I cook at least once a week!!
Hi there Nakia, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!
Thank you! My family really liked the recipe. So good!!
Thank you so much for your great feedback Olga. Glad to know that your family is into this recipe!
I tried this today for dinner for the first time and it was perfect. My husband thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be cooking this more often. Thank you Natasha
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing that with me, Catherine!
I made this and it was fantastic! In my oven, I needed 12 mins for a 1-1/2 lb fillet. I also added a few shrimp to the pan that I needed to use. This was great! Family loved, easy and a great alternative to our “usual.” I found the smaller asparagus worked well for the amount of cooking time. Will be making this again.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Amy!! Thank you for that wonderful feedback!
This was the best salmon I have ever cooked and easy too! Will be making this a couple of times a week! Thank you. I am checking out your other recipes now.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review 🙂
I’d love to know the calories of this😍
Hi Merly! We are slowly working through all of our recipes to add nutrition info but it is a time consuming process as they have to be added one at a time. Thank you for being patient! 🙂
Delicious recipe!!
Thank you for the great review, Lilia!
I never leave a review but I had to this time. This is the best dish to serve for company. They are so impressed and always ask for the recipe. It is delicious. I love your recipes. Thanks for some great recipes.
I’m so inspired reading your review. Thank you!
I love all your recipes. You have made cooking so easy. I watch your videos and they are so helpful.
Making the salmon and asparagus tonight for a friend who is moving.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Really good and really easy! A new go-to recipe for salmon 🙂
I’m happy to hear the recipe is a favorite of yours! Thanks for sharing your great review Ariane!
We lovelovelove this meal. The last time I fixed it we had a larger piece of salmon with plenty left over. I made salmon cakes with the leftovers and they were the best ever! Next time I’ll buy the larger piece of salmon…. on purpose!
Awesome! I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Beth. Thanks for sharing your excellent review with other readers!
Had company and wanted something quick and easy. This dish was both and delicious. Everyone loved it
I’m glad to hear the recipe is a hit! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review Cathy!
Hello Natasha, I dislike asparagas so is there a different vegetable I can use with the salmon dish – maybe fennel? Am not sure regards Judy
Hi Judy, I haven’t tried fennel so I’m not sure on the bake time for it – maybe google roasted fennel and see if it’s compatible. Broccoli would work if you cut them into medium florets.
OH MY GOODNESS!!! this is so affordable and easy to make! while it was cooking i was able to make 2 more meals for my meal prepping! More than that, it’s the yummiest salmon I’ve ever had!
I’m glad to hear you love the recipe so much! Thanks for sharing your excellent review Hannah, it put a big smile on my face!
Made this last night and my family loved it incl my 4 year old picky eater. There were no leftovers. I paired it with roasted potatoes and carrots. Any other pairing suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Malena, I love serving this with cucumber tomato avocado salad or our shrimp avocado salad. Both great choices. Also, the cucumber spears would work well 🙂 I’m so glad you all loved the recipe!
I made this tonight and it was so delicious! Ended up eating way more than I should’ve 😆
I’m glad you enjoy the recipe as much as I do Mary! Thanks for sharing your great review!
I made this to bring to someone tonight. They said it was very good. It was also very easy to make! A keeper!
I’m so glad to hear that Eileen! Thanks for sharing!
We love this dish! I also add thinly sliced potatoes that compliment the meal nicely.
I’m happy to hear that Natalia! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Oh my God I made this today with your recipe and girl I love it thank you so much I’m so happy I found you
I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
Made it for a dinner party. it was awesome. nothing left. Highly recommended
I’m happy to hear that Gail! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Hello Natasha,
Thank you for the recipe. Recipe was OK, but not what I was expecting. I was expecting something special in this recipe, some special taste.
Hi Alla, the ingredients in this recipe are simple but work really well together and should normally have plenty of flavor. Did you possibly omit something? Also, be sure to use fresh ingredients (fresh parsley, garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice) – the substitutes will not be as good.
Made this for dinner tonight, absolute hit with the family. I also added carrots.
I’m glad your family enjoys the recipe as much as mine does! Thanks for sharing your great review!
This is my favourite, I made this tonight for dinner but added sweet potatoes. This is so easy but so so good!
Make this a lot, thanks Natasha.
My pleasure Raya! I’m happy to hear you enjoy this recipe so much! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!
Had some salmon , looking for a quick and easy tea. Glad I found this tastes absolutely fantastic. Thanks Harry
You’re welcome Harry! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe!
Made this on Friday and it was spectacular. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
You’re welcome Melissa! I’m happy to hear that!
From all the seafood and fish, I love salmon the most. This recipe looked fresh to me as it was a perfect blend of butter, asparagus, garlic and herb with salmon. I will surely try it soon and impress my fellow chefs who work with me.
Please let me know what you think! 🙂
Can I use rosemary instead of parsley? I currently don’t have any parsley.
Hi Kenia, I really haven’t tested it to say for sure if it would work well. Rosemary is pretty strong in flavor so it would probably change the flavor profile. One of my readers mentioned adding rosemary to the mixture with parsley and he said it tasted great but I don’t know what proportions he used…
Hi Natasha. My kids are not a fan of asparagus. Would I be able to replace it with green beans instead? Just wondering if it will cook the same or not
Hi Stacey, I think you could make it work with fresh green beans but check on them before you do the broiling step. They might be fully baked by then and if they are at your desired doneness, remove them before broiling the salmon.
Natasha, this recipe of salmon is absolutely delicious!!! Everybody from my family enjoyed it! Keep up the good work! All of your recipes are so easy to follow and sooooo good! Many many thanks! Nicoleta
You’re welcome Nicoleta! I’m happy to hear you love the recipe! Thanks for the wonderful review 😀
Ina e friends visiting from out of town and I am going to make the one pan salmon . Will let you know the results
Yes! Please do Grace 🙂
Made this recipe last night for my family and they loved it!! Love your recipes! Thank you!!😉👍🏻
You’re welcome Vicky! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Hi Natasha – I found that the unsalted butter mixture tended to harden up after sitting about 30 minutes in the bowl. I heated in the microwave for abot 7 seconds, twice, on high – this softened the butter mix well enough to spread. Oh, and I dried off the meat of the salmon – the butter tended to not stick easily to the moist raw salmon. I used fennel – a somewhat more pungent herb than parsely. Asparagus was on sale here in Seattle for $1.98 a pound!
Thanks for the tip Larry! 🙂
Can I use aluminum foil to line the pan instead of parchment paper?
Hi Adele, yes that would work fine. 🙂
So easy and so yummy! Made this for my in laws. The loved it and leftovers were delicious too! Thanks for another awesome recipe.
You’re welcome Sveta! I’m so happy to hear the family loves it! 🙂
I made this last evening for my family. My husband who has not been too fond of asparagus previously, cleaned his plate. This was delicious and simple to make.
I’m glad to hear you two enjoy the recipe as much as I do! Thanks for sharing Inga 🙂
I made this yesterday and it was lovely, delicious I must confess
I’m so glad to hear how much you love the recipe Angela! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Made this for Valentines Day, recipe amaizing. Thank you.
You’re welcome Vera! I’m happy to hear you loved the recipe!
Made it for dinner today, absolutely delicious. Thank you for a such an easy yet restaurant quality dish.
Yes!! I’m so happy you loved it! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your amazing review 🙂
Natasha, would this recipe work with tilapia?
Hi Ksusha, I haven’t tried that but I imagine it would work. Tilapia is generally thinner cut than salmon but it’s also not as sensitive to being overcooked as salmon so you might still be ok with the same cooking time. Let me know how it goes if you try with tilapia
Well now that I tried it on a cheap tilapia I know its worth making with a nice salmon fillet and I assume it would taste much better with salmon.
We had mashed potatoes on the side.
5 star (pretty) healthy meal 🙂
Just gotta remember to salt the asparagus really nice next time 😆
That’s great! I’m so glad you enjoy the recipe!
Tried with Salmon. Amazing. Was gone in seconds..
That’s great to hear!
OMG!!! This garlic herb butter so freakinly delicious!!! I almost licked it from the pan!!! Thanks a lot Natasha for this dish!!!
You’re welcome Rita! I’m so happy to hear you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing 🙂
The herb butter mixture is perfect. And the broiling at the end makes the salmon come out perfect. The family loved it. Thanks for another great recipe!
You’re welcome, Ruben! I’m glad you loved it!
This is such a beautiful meal! Happy Valentines Day =)
It is just a good as it looks! Happy Valentine’s Day to you too! 🙂
Dear Natasha, thank you for this light dinner idea; even more, thank you for the tips so welcome to make it easier to create new variations of meals for our loved ones ! I wish you have a pleasant day !
You’re welcome! I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipes! 🙂