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
Is the Salmon well done or in between , Either way it looks Amazing 😍
Hi Alexis, it is fully cooked but still juicy 🙂
This is a great meal!
I’m glad you like it Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing!
I never leave reviews but I made this last night and WOW this was so amazing I cannot wait to make it again. My kids were upset because I didn’t buy more salmon lol. Great flavor and so super easy. Just added some Jasmine rice and was a complete meal. Thank you!
You’re welcome Jaime! I’m glad to hear how much everyone enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your wonderful review with other readers!
Do you have the nutritional info for this recipe? My husband has several diet limitations. Thanks
Hi Audrey, I don’t typically include calorie counts because of the time constraint that I have. I really need to hire some help to do that for me! When I need a quick answer though; I have used Caloriecount.com (their recipe analyzer is free). ps. I’m planning to do a site refresh this spring and looking to include nutritional labels in the recipes a that time so stay tuned.
Just made this tonight. Extremely simple and tasted incredible! Will definitely make again.
I’m glad you love it Patrick! Thanks for sharing your great review!
I have been mixing my butter for 15 mins and the lemon juice is still separated. Help. 🙄
Hi Michelle, no worries at all, even if some of the lemon juice is separated, just drizzle it over the salmon after you spread on the butter and it will still be just as good. 🙂 Sometimes a food processor helps to blend it together but I usually don’t like to dirty it up for the spread. It doesn’t have to incorporate 100% – it’s pretty forgiving 🙂
I made this last night for dinner and it was absolutely delicious and very easy to prepare.
I’m happy to hear that Linda! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Wow! Made this tonight as my keto dinner. Even better tasting than I imagined. Definitely keeping this recipe.
I’m glad you love the recipe Kasi! Thanks for sharing!
Could this be done with salmon steaks, not fillet? If so would the cooking time be roughly the same?
Hi Gail here is the recipe with baked salmon steaks and asparagus.
Love this recipe. Tried it with six people, and we all loved it!
I’m happy to hear that Kathy! Thanks for sharing your great review!
hi! can i use aluminum foil paper instead of parchment paper?
Hi Neeha, from what I have read, acid is not a good idea with foil and may eat through the foil. It can potentially cause metals to leach from the foil which will contaminate the food.
Absolutely a brilliant recipe! My family loves it
I’m glad you love it Irene! Thanks for sharing!
This looks delicious! I wish to try my hand at it but will the recipe also work with steaming or pan fry?
Hi Vivian, I think it has the best flavor when roasting in the oven because the flavor really penetrates deep into the salmon as it roasts and I think you would lose some of that by sautéing both sides. If sautéing, you might keep half of the butter mixture to spread over the sautéed top of the salmon for the last few minutes of cooking. That should definitely help enhance the flavor 🙂
I only have a steamer oven and microwave to work with, which is why pan fry and steam would be the options I have to try this recipe. Unless I wrap the fish in foils? I’ll keep in mind for the tip with sauteeing. Thank you very much for your help ☺
Ok got it! 🙂 I would go with the pan option then 🙂
Normally when I bake salmon with skin, I bake it for a few minutes skin up, remove the skin and then flip it and bake the other side. How can I bake the salmon with skin?
Hi Aly, when baking this salmon with skin on, I just roast it the entire time with the skin-side down and then remove the skin to serve it. It’s an extra step to flip the salmon that way and it may not work well in this recipe since you spread the tops with all the flavor and you couldn’t really do that if you start skin-side up.
great, thank you : )
You’re welcome! 🙂
Do you buy skinless salmon
Hi Sylvia, I have tried this recipe with both and both work well. In the photos this time, I used skinless, just for ease of serving.
I have all ingredients for this except fresh parsley 🙁 would it be just as good with dried parsley or would you suggest another herb to use? I have just about every dried herb imaginable in my cabinet!
I have not tried this with the dried parsley but I think it’s worth an experiment. The salmon is also good with fresh dill or even cilantro.
Fantastic! My husband thought he was in a high class restaurant! Said he would pay $100 for his dish. Thank you for sharing.
That’s awesome! I’m glad you both love the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review Dawne!
Whoa!!!! Just made this!! It was delish!! Loved it, so easy too. We didn’t hold back on the butter at all haha!! Yummmm!!!
I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent review Viv!
Did you remove the skin underneath before cooking it?
Hi Cindy, this particular piece of salmon was purchased with the skin removed. You can remove it or leave it on – whatever you prefer 🙂
Cooking for 10-12 minutes and then 3 minutes under the broiler will overcook and dry out the salmon
We found the timing to work well with very tender and juicy results but a thinner piece of salmon would require less baking time.
I agree. Unless wrapped in foil.
I absolutely have to try this. I loved your video just couldn’t find the thumbs up to click on.
It’s one of my most popular recipes! Please let me know what you think Marlene!
It’s very simple, quick and amazing! Thank you for our delicious dinner 😀
My pleasure Valya! Thanks for sharing your excellent review!