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

  • Barb
    April 8, 2024

    Great video instruction, short prep, nice presentation, healthy ingredients, great smell wafting through the house and such a great meal. Great for guests.Thank you.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 8, 2024

      You’re very welcome, Barb!

      Reply

  • Angi
    April 3, 2024

    I’m not a salmon (or any seafood) person but am cooking for my daughter and SIL. I’ve made this twice for them and it comes out perfect every time.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 3, 2024

      That’s wonderful, Angi!

      Reply

  • Kelly
    April 2, 2024

    Made this recipe tonight! So good! Love Natasha’s recipes!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 2, 2024

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kelly!

      Reply

  • Kimmy
    March 18, 2024

    OMG!!! This has become one of my all time favorite Salmon dishes!!! I have made it four times, made it tonight, yum, and it’s heaven! So easy, and the flavor is perfection. I have made it for family and girlfriends and they have all raved about it. Thank you Natasha! I can’t wait to buy your book!!!❤️

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 18, 2024

      Thank you for your fantastic feedback, Kimmy! I appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Monica
    March 14, 2024

    The salmon was delicious! Thank you for this recipie!!! My only issue was the asparagus turned out soggy & i’m not sure why.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 15, 2024

      Hi Monica, the size and freshness of the asparagus can affect the bake time. I suggest keeping an eye on it and if it cooks up faster, you can remove it from the baking sheet sooner.

      Reply

  • Cyn
    March 13, 2024

    Absolutely delicious! Elegance fun easy meal! A keeper! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 13, 2024

      Thank you for your great feedback!

      Reply

  • Michael
    March 11, 2024

    This will be my best. I normally bake separately, now I’ll bake together make both be happy

    Reply

  • Marc
    March 4, 2024

    Great recipe for an airFryer.Will make it again-Asparagus and Salmon cooked to perfection.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 4, 2024

      Thank you for your good comments and review!

      Reply

  • Alena
    December 16, 2023

    I had people over for dinner last night and this salmon was a huge hit. Thank you. I genuinely don’t know what I would do without all of your amazing recipes

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 16, 2023

      Aw, thank you, Alena! I’m so glad you are loving the recipes!

      Reply

  • LKerr
    September 13, 2023

    Have made this recipe many times over. It is very tasty and easy…can’t ask for a better combination. Thank you! Instead of parsley I use dill.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 13, 2023

      You’re very welcome. I’m glad that you always love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Lili
    July 14, 2023

    I am not a cook whatsoever but this recipe was incredible!! I was really proud of how my salmon turned out, and it was super tasty. I didn’t have parchment so I used aluminum and even still it worked really well. Making another Salmon with this recipe tonight!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 14, 2023

      Hi Lili! That’s great to hear. Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Alon
    June 14, 2023

    Really delicious, just sad I couldn’t get my butter right. Ended up with a ball of garlic butter and a bowl of lemon juice after smashing with a fork for 15 minutes :/
    Will definitely try that butter softening trick next time!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 15, 2023

      Sounds great, Alon! Thank you for sharing your experience.

      Reply

    • Kristin B Reid
      July 13, 2023

      You did everything right. Butter is oil based with a small amount of water while lemon juice is water based with no oil. The truth is that you aren’t going to be able to mix them without adding an emulsifier like egg. It’s not worth it.
      This is why the lemon slices are so important. I tend to add thicker lemon slices or just add the lemon juice to the fish after it’s cooked.

      Reply

      • Michelle Burklin
        August 24, 2023

        I’ve made compound butter before with lemon and parsley and another with lime juice and chili powder. It worked great.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          August 24, 2023

          Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

          Reply

  • Nicole
    May 14, 2023

    This has been my go to salmon recipe for probably 3 years now. It’s simple and delicious and our whole family loves. We’ve even added it to our Thanksgiving and Christmas menus for those of us who prefer fish (me 🙂 ). You just can’t go wrong with the lemon, garlic butter!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 14, 2023

      Aaww, thanks Nicole for sharing that with us. We appreciate your good comments and feedback.

      Reply

  • Mrs O
    May 1, 2023

    This turned out delicious. Followed the recipe exactly, except I added some garlic powder on the fish and cooked in the convection oven at 385°. We prefer Salmon on the rare side and it was cooked to perfection along with the asparagus. My husband told me to save this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 1, 2023

      Love it! Thanks a lot for sharing this experience trying this recipe out. So glad that you loved it!

      Reply

  • Amber
    April 17, 2023

    This is so good! I paired it with your classic Risotto. Both recipes are just perfecto!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 18, 2023

      That sounds amazing, Amber! Glad you loved the recipes. 🙂

      Reply

  • Cathy
    April 14, 2023

    I loved this recipe, so easy, fast and flavourful!
    No pictures- I was too hungry- I had with tiny potatoes and carrots,
    Thank you again,

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 14, 2023

      Hi Cathy! You’re very welcome. I’m glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Lynn Morrow
    March 30, 2023

    Absolutely delicious! I did add lemon caper sauce at the end.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 30, 2023

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Linda
    March 9, 2023

    Could I either omit the garlic butter or substitute with oil? My husband has to watch his fat and cholesterol intake.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 9, 2023

      Hi Linda, we LOVE it with the garlic, I’m not sure if anything would be a good substitute for that, but you can try ommiting it to see how you like that.

      Reply

  • Allisa
    March 2, 2023

    This recipe is amazing! My husband loves salmon and I tried frying it in the pan once but it didn’t turn out the best, he absolutely loved this recipe and he cleaned the plate. The flavour from the butter made the salmon perfect and the oven was so much easier and less cleanup and time consuming. Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 2, 2023

      I’m so glad to hear that, Allisa! Thank you for the review.

      Reply

  • Nicole Monroe
    December 17, 2022

    I made this last night and it was so good and very easy to make. Everyone loved it. Definitely adding it to my favorites!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 17, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Nicole!

      Reply

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