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

  • Jose
    May 20, 2025

    If watching my salt/sodium intake, are there any substitute suggestions that would work well with this recipe? Thanks for your suggestions.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 20, 2025

      Hi Jose. We use unsalted butter and season with salt and pepper. You can adjust the salt to your preference.

      Reply

  • Helen
    May 16, 2025

    Absolutely love,love this simple tasty salmon recipe. Thank you so much , follow your recipes all the time.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 16, 2025

      Hi Helen! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes. Thank you for the review.

      Reply

  • Debra
    March 6, 2025

    Which salmon is best for this recipe, fresh or frozen?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 6, 2025

      Hi Debra! We usually use fresh salmon, but you can use frozen salmon, just thaw it first.

      Reply

  • Melissa
    March 5, 2025

    Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 5, 2025

      Hi Melissa! We prefer fresh, but yes, you can.

      Reply

  • Ritu Parna
    December 23, 2024

    Hi There,
    Thanks for sharing such a great recipe with us. My family loves this recipe. I made this recipe and served it to my friends at my house.

    Reply

  • Rosebud
    December 2, 2024

    Fantastic recipe. I have made this many times and is always well received and totally delicious.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 2, 2024

      So happy you love it! Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Humna Waseeq
    November 14, 2024

    Hi, I will be trying this recipe out today. What internal temperature should the salmon reach?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 14, 2024

      Hi there! 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.

      Reply

  • Jason
    November 9, 2024

    Save yourself the mess and hassel. Use melted butter.. the softened butter is a waist of time. It doesn’t stick to the fish and makes a huge mess…

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 11, 2024

      Hi Jason! You may try drying your salmon fillets with a paper towel. If they are wet, this will help the butter stick.

      Reply

  • Karen Ogden
    October 19, 2024

    Oh my goodness Natasha, this dish is excellent. I can’t eat much these days but this is really good. Thank you for your recipe.

    Reply

  • Christine C
    October 19, 2024

    I made this last night and it was so good. It’s definitely going to stay in my dinner rotations. I may try dill in place of the parsley next time just for something different. But it’s perfect as is too.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 19, 2024

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Christine!

      Reply

  • Janet Furgason
    September 15, 2024

    Do you think I could use half asparagus and half broccoli. Would they cook in the same amount of time

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 15, 2024

      I think that will work, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just keep an eye on the vegetables.

      Reply

  • Mary
    August 20, 2024

    One of our favorites from Natasha’s Kitchen!

    Reply

  • Donna
    August 14, 2024

    Absolutely delicious 😋. My family loved it!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 15, 2024

      That’s wonderful!

      Reply

  • Sheegs
    July 21, 2024

    Just prepared this today for Sunday supper. Delicious. Thanks for posting the recipe.

    Reply

  • Jan Steinbauer
    June 22, 2024

    This has become my husband’s favorite!
    I love how easy it is to make.
    I had a few baby reds that needed to be used up so I halved them and mixed them in with the asparagus. Turned out great!

    Reply

  • Cathy
    June 21, 2024

    I did the Salmon and Asparagus recipe for dinner tonight. Everything was wonderful. I will definitely do this again!!!! As usual Natasha you nailed it out of the park. Thank you.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 21, 2024

      That’s so great to hear! Thank you.

      Reply

  • Diane Westover
    May 30, 2024

    Made this tonight and it was awesome. The salmon melted in our mouths. Neither my husband or I are fish fans but we eat it anyways. I had no problems finishing my plate tonight. I love all of your recipes Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 30, 2024

      Wow! That’s so great! I’m so glad this was a hit for you both!

      Reply

  • Kelli
    May 28, 2024

    Hello, Do you take the skin off or leave it on? This looks absolutely delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 29, 2024

      You can leave it on or take it off. Sometimes I just keep them.

      Reply

  • Cathryn
    May 22, 2024

    I adjusted recipe to personal taste, using tarragon instead of parsley and omitted the garlic (didn’t have any) and pepper (can’t stand it!). Delicious recipe and very quick and easy.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 22, 2024

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cathryn!

      Reply

  • Anna
    May 13, 2024

    Great recipe! I used lime and mixed lemon thyme, dill and chives because I did not have lemon and parsley on hand-will definitely do it again!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 13, 2024

      Sounds great! Glad that worked out well, thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

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