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.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
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
If watching my salt/sodium intake, are there any substitute suggestions that would work well with this recipe? Thanks for your suggestions.
Hi Jose. We use unsalted butter and season with salt and pepper. You can adjust the salt to your preference.
Absolutely love,love this simple tasty salmon recipe. Thank you so much , follow your recipes all the time.
Hi Helen! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes. Thank you for the review.
Which salmon is best for this recipe, fresh or frozen?
Hi Debra! We usually use fresh salmon, but you can use frozen salmon, just thaw it first.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Hi Melissa! We prefer fresh, but yes, you can.
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.
Fantastic recipe. I have made this many times and is always well received and totally delicious.
So happy you love it! Thank you for the feedback.
Hi, I will be trying this recipe out today. What internal temperature should the salmon reach?
Hi there! 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.
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…
Hi Jason! You may try drying your salmon fillets with a paper towel. If they are wet, this will help the butter stick.
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.
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.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Christine!
Do you think I could use half asparagus and half broccoli. Would they cook in the same amount of time
I think that will work, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just keep an eye on the vegetables.
One of our favorites from Natasha’s Kitchen!
Absolutely delicious 😋. My family loved it!!
That’s wonderful!
Just prepared this today for Sunday supper. Delicious. Thanks for posting the recipe.
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!
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.
That’s so great to hear! Thank you.
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!
Wow! That’s so great! I’m so glad this was a hit for you both!
Hello, Do you take the skin off or leave it on? This looks absolutely delicious!
You can leave it on or take it off. Sometimes I just keep them.
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.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cathryn!
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!
Sounds great! Glad that worked out well, thank you for sharing that with us.