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
Made this tonight, it was so delicious 😋 the salmon came out so tender and flaky! Asparagus perfect! Paired it was a salad and we were happy as can be! 2 big thumbs up 👍🏻 👍🏻 Natasha! Thank you!
So glad to hear that, Shannon. Thanks for your great review and feedback!
Hi Natasha!
You are my go to for something fresh new recipes. I’m not doing any dairy right now, could I use Ghee in place of the butter?
Hi Kasia, I have not tried that substitution to advise but I do recommend reading through the recipe comments to see if another reader has a suggestion.
I made it with vegan butter!
Best chef ever best of luck to you and keep up the fantastic work
Big time fan
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Wanting to know nutritional information on this
Hi Lynn, Hi, 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!
Hi I’m getting ready to cook this. I have no lemon. Should I go get on or will it be flavorful without?
Hello Tonie, the lemon makes a lot of difference although I think it will still work without it but it won’t be as flavorful as it is with lemon.
Can you use frozen salmon fillets??
Hi Nikki, yes but let the frozen salmon thaw first before using it for this recipe
This recipe is so good and easy to make. Made it for Father’s Day Dinner. It was a big hit.
Thank you.
Galynn
Virginia
You are very welcome! I am so happy that it was a big hit!
My favourite salmon recipe ever Simply Delicious!
So great to hear that this is your favorite salmon recipe, Kathy! Thanks for your nice review.
Hi Natasha, Thumbs up this is soooooo………delicious. My children loved it.
That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you so much for trying out this recipe.
I have never in my 47 years made fish, other than fish sticks. I used this recipe and honestly, it was the best salmon I have ever had. Better than any restaurant salmon I’ve ever eaten. It was flaky and perfectly cooked and the flavor was amazing! Also, I’m not much of a cook so this was very easy and I surprised myself! Thanks for the recipe! 👍🏻
You’re welcome! Thank you for trying out this recipe and I’m happy to know that you absolutely loved it!
WOW.. I learned so much from this recipe.
You are right will do this again and again!
The 450 degree guidance is critical to this delicous recipe!
And I did not have parchment paper just spray on coconut oil.
Thank you for sharing that with us! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
We LOVE salmon and asparagus, and sheet pan meals are the best. This was the most amazing salmon I have made, and the butter/lemon mix was amazing on the asparagus.
Thank you for your amazing feedback, Tamara. I am so happy to read your comments!
I want a splatter guard and a meat thermometer like you use, you say it’s in the notes but I don’t know where the notes are on the page
Thanks
Debbie
Hello Debbie, you can check out the kitchen tools that I am using here in our Amazon Store. I hope that helps!
Fantastic.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Natasha! Can’t wait to make this! Can you please link the garlic press you used…it looks really good! Thank you!
Hi Luci, we used this garlic press here.
hi, Natasha,
where could one purchase the cutting board that you use in your videos?
Hi Susan, we have it in our Shop here. I hope that helps.
I don’t have parchment paper, can you use foil??
Hi Jamie, 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.
I’ve made this twice now, really easy and super tasty.
Regards
Carmen
South Africa
I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Carmen! Thank you for that awesome review!
2nd time making and we love it! Thank you for giving us an amazing way to cook salmon. Mmmm
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jessica
I’m 53 years old and never fixed Salomon myself. Made this last night and it was awesome. Thank you.
That’s just awesome!! I’m so glad you enjoyed that.
Hi Natasha
If I dont have parsley, can I substitute it with thyme or oregano instead?
Hi Vina, a few readers have reported great results substituting with dill. I have not tested with thyme or oregano but that may work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe