One-Pan Salmon and Asparagus is a simple, 20-minute salmon dinner that comes together on a sheet pan. The lemon-garlic-herb butter melts over this baked salmon and asparagus as it bakes, and every bite is so flavorful. Don’t miss the quick video tutorial to see just how easy this is.
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Helpful Reader Review
“Fantastic recipe. I have made this many times and is always well received and totally delicious.” – Rosebud ★★★★★
Easy Salmon and Asparagus Dinner
This one-pan salmon asparagus recipe is a reader and family favorite (read the glowing reviews below). The flavored butter here is gold. It is the same butter we use on our popular Lobster Tails recipe, and I even use it on my juicy Roast Turkey. It comes together quickly, and everything it touches always gets rave reviews.
Seriously, though, this salmon recipe is a must-try. Make it once and you’ll make it again and again. It’s just THAT good! Perfect for special occasions and easy enough for a busy weeknight – it’s delicious and looks so pretty on that baking dish. Make this, and you’ll impress your family.
Salmon and Asparagus Video
SO MUCH FLAVOR!! I hope you all love this easy dinner idea. I’d pass you a slice if I could because I really want you to discover this juicy salmon recipe! 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.
How to Bake Salmon with Asparagus
This whole process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. While it cooks, I like to start cooking white rice or make Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes to pair it with, so my side dish is ready to serve when the salmon comes out of the oven.
- Prep – Preheat oven to 450˚F (set the rack in the top third of the oven – this gives the salmon some color). Line a large baking sheet with parchment (trim it to fit so it doesn’t burn).
- Place salmon fillets in the center add asparagus on the sides. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and roll to coat in the oil. Season both salmon and asparagus with salt and pepper.
- Mash together the flavored butter ingredients in a small bowl until the lemon juice is incorporated (by hand with a fork, or use a small food processor or an immersion blender to speed up the process).
- Finish and Bake – Spread most of the butter over salmon, dab the rest on asparagus. Top salmon with lemon slices and bake 10–12 min (depends on thickness). You can finish under the broiler for 2–3 min for a golden top. Bake until the salmon is flaky and cooked through. According to the USDA guidelines, it should reach a safe internal temperature of 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer.
Salmon is a smart choice for dinner because it has plenty of health benefits; rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and Selenium. I think salmon is the most satisfying protein, and it’s low carb, leaving you feeling full yet light at the same time. And this one is lip-smacking good!!
What to Serve with Salmon and Asparagus
There’s tons of flavor here, so I like to pair it with simple sides such as:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Boiled Potatoes
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Roasted Potatoes
- Parmesan Risotto (if you’re feeling fancy)
P.S. Spoon some of those scrumptious pan juices over your salmon for even more amazing flavor! What is YOUR favorite way to enjoy salmon?
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Asparagus:
- 2 lbs salmon filet, cut into six – 6 oz portions
- 2 lbs asparagus*, fibrous ends removed
- Salt and black pepper, added to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small lemon, sliced into rings for garnish
For the Lemon-Garlic-Herb Butter:
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened (*see quick softening note)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, from 1 small lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt, we used sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep – Preheat oven to 450˚F with oven rack in top third. Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, trimming the paper to just fit so it doesn't go over edges of pan (this prevents the paper from charring under broiler).
- Place salmon filets in a row down the center of your lined baking pan. Arrange trimmed asparagus on the sides of the salmon. Drizzle asparagus lightly with olive oil and roll to coat. Sprinkle both asparagus and salmon with salt and pepper.
- Make Flavored Butter – In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash together all ingredients for flavored butter. It takes a couple of minutes to come together but keep mashing and it will happen. You can also use a food processor for the job if you prefer. Spoon 3/4 of your flavored butter over the salmon and spread evenly (no need for perfection). Dab remaining butter mix over the asparagus.
- Bake – Top each salmon filet with a slice of lemon and bake uncovered at 450˚F for 10-12 minutes (a thinner fillet will take 10 minutes and a larger fillet takes 12 minutes). Set the oven to BROIL and bake another 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a golden glow. Bake until salmon is flaky and cooked through with an internal temperature of 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer.
Notes
*How to Speed-Soften Butter: Place wrapped stick of butter in airtight ziploc bag and submerge bag in warm (100˚F) water, placing a weight over the top so it doesn’t float. Let sit 10 -15 mins until softened.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Easy Salmon Recipes
If you love salmon as much as I do, I know you’ll find new favorites in this list. These will keep your salmon dinner menus exciting:
- Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Salmon Cakes
- Pan-Seared Salmon
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Tuscan Salmon
- Salmon Patties
This is my go-to recipe for salmon. It’s easy and so delicious!
Salmon was delicious, best one I have ever made. Will be my go-to salmon recipe. The asparagus was also spot on! Thank you for your easy recipes.
This recipe was delicious. Love the lemon garlic butter as well. Now I make my own and keep it in the fridge ! Ty Natashia for making my dinner menu a breeze.
Tasty and easy to make a good dinner quickly Thank you.