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One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus (Easy 20-Minute Dinner)

one-pan lemon herb salmon with asparagus - featured image

A quick and delicious one-pan dinner featuring perfectly roasted salmon and tender-crisp asparagus with a bright lemon herb flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound, woody ends trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon slices (from the lemon used for juice and zest)
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to make the herb oil.
  3. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus. Place the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, add the sliced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer on one side of the pan.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place the fillets on the other side of the baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Spoon the herb oil mixture over each fillet, spreading evenly. Top each fillet with a thin slice of lemon.
  5. Roast for 12-15 minutes. At 12 minutes, check for doneness: the salmon should flake easily with a fork and the asparagus should be tender-crisp. For well-done salmon, roast the full 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill if using, and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best browning. Let salmon sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Adjust roasting time based on asparagus thickness: thin stalks check at 10 minutes, thick stalks may need full 15 minutes. For extra caramelization, place baking sheet on bottom third of oven. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two pans if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan salmon, lemon herb salmon, roasted salmon and asparagus, quick salmon dinner, healthy weeknight dinner, sheet pan salmon, 20-minute meal