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.

Salmon and asparagus baked on a sheet pan and garnished with parsley

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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. 

flaky salmon served with a side of asparagus

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.
How to bake salmon and asparagus with flavored butter on a sheet pan

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:

Up close slices of baked salmon with asparagus

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

4.97 from 204 votes
One-Pan Salmon Asparagus recipe with a lemon-garlic-herb butter. Every bite is so juicy and flavorful! A reader favorite, 20-minute salmon dinner. | natashaskitchen.com
A one-pan easy salmon dinner idea. The lemon-garlic-herb butter is GOLD!! It melts into the salmon and asparagus as it bakes and every bite is so flavorful.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 as a main course

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

*Asparagus Note: this recipe is written for medium to thick asparagus. If your asparagus is thin, add it to the sheet pan halfway through baking or put it on a separate sheet pan so you can pull it out when it has reached your desired tenderness. 
*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

374kcal Calories8g Carbs34g Protein24g Fat9g Saturated Fat5g Polyunsaturated Fat8g Monounsaturated Fat0.5g Trans Fat113mg Cholesterol460mg Sodium1092mg Potassium4g Fiber3g Sugar1671IU Vitamin A22mg Vitamin C67mg Calcium5mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
Amount per Serving
Calories
374
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Trans Fat
 
0.5
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
8
g
Cholesterol
 
113
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
460
mg
20
%
Potassium
 
1092
mg
31
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
34
g
68
%
Vitamin A
 
1671
IU
33
%
Vitamin C
 
22
mg
27
%
Calcium
 
67
mg
7
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salmon and asparagus, Salmon Asparagus, sheet pan salmon and asparagus
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 374
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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:

 

4.97 from 204 votes (102 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Alexis Lyons
    March 6, 2018

    Is the Salmon well done or in between , Either way it looks Amazing 😍

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 6, 2018

      Hi Alexis, it is fully cooked but still juicy 🙂

      Reply

  • Elizabeth
    March 2, 2018

    This is a great meal!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 2, 2018

      I’m glad you like it Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Jaime Kerhulas
    February 13, 2018

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 13, 2018

      You’re welcome Jaime! I’m glad to hear how much everyone enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your wonderful review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Audrey
    January 31, 2018

    Do you have the nutritional info for this recipe? My husband has several diet limitations. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 31, 2018

      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.

      Reply

  • Patrick Coleman
    January 18, 2018

    Just made this tonight. Extremely simple and tasted incredible! Will definitely make again.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 18, 2018

      I’m glad you love it Patrick! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Michelle
    January 16, 2018

    I have been mixing my butter for 15 mins and the lemon juice is still separated. Help. 🙄

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 16, 2018

      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 🙂

      Reply

  • Linda
    January 13, 2018

    I made this last night for dinner and it was absolutely delicious and very easy to prepare.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 13, 2018

      I’m happy to hear that Linda! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Kasi
    December 11, 2017

    Wow! Made this tonight as my keto dinner. Even better tasting than I imagined. Definitely keeping this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 11, 2017

      I’m glad you love the recipe Kasi! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

    • Gail
      April 20, 2020

      Could this be done with salmon steaks, not fillet? If so would the cooking time be roughly the same?

      Reply

  • Kathy
    November 4, 2017

    Love this recipe. Tried it with six people, and we all loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 6, 2017

      I’m happy to hear that Kathy! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Neeha
    November 3, 2017

    hi! can i use aluminum foil paper instead of parchment paper?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 3, 2017

      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.

      Reply

      • Irene L
        February 4, 2018

        Absolutely a brilliant recipe! My family loves it

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          February 4, 2018

          I’m glad you love it Irene! Thanks for sharing!

          Reply

  • Vivian
    November 1, 2017

    This looks delicious! I wish to try my hand at it but will the recipe also work with steaming or pan fry?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 1, 2017

      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 🙂

      Reply

      • Vivian
        November 1, 2017

        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 ☺

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          November 1, 2017

          Ok got it! 🙂 I would go with the pan option then 🙂

          Reply

  • Aly
    October 24, 2017

    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?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 24, 2017

      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.

      Reply

      • Aly
        October 25, 2017

        great, thank you : )

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          October 25, 2017

          You’re welcome! 🙂

          Reply

  • Sylvia Cahue
    October 16, 2017

    Do you buy skinless salmon

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 16, 2017

      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.

      Reply

  • Rose
    October 9, 2017

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 9, 2017

      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.

      Reply

  • Dawne
    October 6, 2017

    Fantastic! My husband thought he was in a high class restaurant! Said he would pay $100 for his dish. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 6, 2017

      That’s awesome! I’m glad you both love the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review Dawne!

      Reply

  • Viv
    September 30, 2017

    Whoa!!!! Just made this!! It was delish!! Loved it, so easy too. We didn’t hold back on the butter at all haha!! Yummmm!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 2, 2017

      I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your excellent review Viv!

      Reply

  • Cindy
    September 9, 2017

    Did you remove the skin underneath before cooking it?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 9, 2017

      Hi Cindy, this particular piece of salmon was purchased with the skin removed. You can remove it or leave it on – whatever you prefer 🙂

      Reply

  • Uwe
    September 2, 2017

    Cooking for 10-12 minutes and then 3 minutes under the broiler will overcook and dry out the salmon

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 2, 2017

      We found the timing to work well with very tender and juicy results but a thinner piece of salmon would require less baking time.

      Reply

    • Darcie Becker
      September 23, 2017

      I agree. Unless wrapped in foil.

      Reply

  • Marlene Moore
    August 30, 2017

    I absolutely have to try this. I loved your video just couldn’t find the thumbs up to click on.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2017

      It’s one of my most popular recipes! Please let me know what you think Marlene!

      Reply

  • Valya
    July 15, 2017

    It’s very simple, quick and amazing! Thank you for our delicious dinner 😀

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 15, 2017

      My pleasure Valya! Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

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