Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon: My Go-To Healthy Dinner!

By Zelia ThorneJune 16, 2025

Need easy healthy salmon recipes? This lemon-herb baked salmon with asparagus is a one-pan wonder! Quick, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes. Get the recipe! ... Quick Meals

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction: Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Fancy a best easy salmon recipe ? i'm telling you, this lemon-herb baked salmon with asparagus is proper lush. it is dead easy, and tastes like you've slaved away all day.

Plus, minimal washing up! you know, some of my favourite healthy salmon recipes are the ones that don't feel like diet food.

A Whiff of the Med, a Dash of Home

This isn't your nan's boiled salmon. it's mediterranean sunshine meets british practicality. this dish hails from wanting something healthy and easy.

It is ready in about 35 minutes. it serves two, perfect for a cozy night in.

The Good Stuff

Oily fish, like salmon, is brilliant for your brain. it's packed with omega-3 fatty acids. this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

It feels special, but it's secretly good for you. i especially love how it all cooks together on one pan.

It makes it that much better.

Time to get our hands dirty. Let's talk ingredients.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to nail these healthy salmon recipes ! i'm telling you, even i, who's had my fair share of kitchen mishaps, can pull these off.

So, trust me, you've got this.

Ingredients & Equipment: Gear Up for Deliciousness!

Making these easy salmon meals doesn’t require a michelin-star setup. we're keeping it real and using stuff you probably already have.

But, there's a trick or two to make sure even the best easy salmon recipe you find comes out just right.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

You can't make great oven cooked salmon recipes without, well, salmon!

Salmon Fillets: 2 (6-ounce/170g each) . Fresh is best, obvs. Look for bright color and a fresh, sea-like smell, not fishy. Honestly, dodgy salmon ain't worth the risk!
Asparagus: 1 pound (450g) . Go for firm, bright green stalks. If they're limp, give them a miss. Nobody wants soggy asparagus.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for the salmon & asparagus, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for the sauce. Extra virgin is the way to go for flavor!
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) each . Season to taste!
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, trust me.
Fresh Parsley & Dill: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) each , chopped. Fresh herbs make ALL the difference.
Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Adds that little something .
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) (optional). For a bit of zing!

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters

Want your baked glazed salmon to sing? It's all about the seasoning! Don't be afraid to play around.

Essential Spice Combo: Lemon, dill, and garlic are a match made in heaven for salmon. Honestly, you can't go wrong.
Flavor Enhancers: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. You know, that something that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Quick Sub Options: No dill? Use tarragon. Run out of fresh garlic? Garlic powder will do in a pinch. I've been there!

Hey, if you are planning a salmon recipes for weight loss diet, or a simple recipes for dinner fish , experiment with these seasoning combinations, or search low carb salmon recipes or salmon and vegetable recipes online for great tips.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Okay, you won't need fancy gadgets to whip up these quick salmon recipes .

Large Baking Sheet. One with a rim is best, to keep those yummy juices from spilling.
Parchment Paper (optional). Makes cleanup a breeze. I'm all about less washing up.
Small Bowl & Whisk. For whipping up that killer lemon-herb sauce.
Household Alternatives: No baking sheet? A large oven-safe pan will work. No whisk? A fork will do the trick. Just get creative!

Honestly, that's all you need for some seriously delicious healthy salmon dinner ideas . Time to get cooking!

Okay, let's get this baked glazed salmon party started! we're doing a deep dive into my latest obsession: baking salmon.

Honestly, it's a game-changer. forget complicated recipes. this is easy salmon meals at its finest! plus, we're making it healthy salmon dinner ideas , so you can feel good about what you're eating.

Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus presentation

Baked Salmon Bliss: The One-Pan Lemon-Herb Wonder

Have you ever needed recipes for dinner fish , but dreaded the cleanup? then this one's for you. this recipe is all about oven cooked salmon recipes that are simple, delicious, and totally impressive without any fuss.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organized. It's the key to quick and easy salmon meals , trust me.

Get your 2 (6-ounce/170g each) salmon fillets , skin on or off and 1 pound (450g) asparagus , trimmed, ready to go. Also, be sure to remove pin bones
Mix your lemon-herb sauce . Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil , 2 tablespoons lemon juice , 1 tablespoon fresh parsley , 1 tablespoon fresh dill , 1 clove minced garlic , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
Quick safety tip: always wash your hands before handling food, especially raw fish.

Step-by-Step to Flaky Perfection

Here's how to turn those ingredients into a show-stopping dinner.

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. (Seriously, do it. You'll thank me later).
Lay the asparagus and salmon on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
Pour that gorgeous lemon-herb sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
Bake for 15- 20 minutes , until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. A visual cue? Look for the salmon to turn opaque throughout. Critical temperature: 145° F ( 63° C) internal temperature.
Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Salmon Success

Want to take your baked salmon to the next level? Here are my secrets.

Don't overcook the salmon! It should be moist and flaky, not dry and rubbery. Honestly, this is the biggest mistake people make.
For extra flavor, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it even more delicious.
Looking for salmon recipes for weight loss ? This recipe is naturally pretty darn healthy. Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. It also can be modified and be used as the perfect low carb salmon recipes .

This best easy salmon recipe is a surefire way to get dinner on the table fast. i guarantee it'll become a weeknight staple.

Give it a go and let me know what you think! also, if you like this recipe, be sure to check out my other salmon and vegetable recipes too.

Recipe Notes for Perfect Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon

Right then, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of this best easy salmon recipe ! honestly, this lemon-herb baked salmon with asparagus is practically foolproof, but there are a few things you might want to know to make it extra delicious.

These are the tips and tricks, i learned during the experimentation of this healthy salmon recipe .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!

So, you've got this glorious salmon and asparagus ready. how do you make it look like something out of a magazine? simple! plate the salmon first.

Then, arrange the asparagus spears artfully alongside. a lemon wedge adds a pop of colour and a final zing. thinking of sides? fluffy quinoa or some salmon and vegetable recipes , such as roasted veggies, work a treat.

I love a dollop of greek yogurt sauce on top too.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Got leftovers? no problem! pop the salmon and asparagus into an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing isn't really recommended. the texture of the salmon can suffer. to reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 300° f ( 150° c) until heated through.

This helps prevent it from drying out. you can easily make easy salmon meals by having the leftovers for lunch!

Variations: Make It Your Own

Fancy a twist? how about adding a pinch of cayenne to the lemon-herb sauce for a bit of heat? or throw in some chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a mediterranean vibe.

Need a low carb salmon recipes ? no sweat, this is naturally keto friendly, just watch portion sizes! swapping asparagus for broccoli florets is a great shout too.

These oven cooked salmon recipes are versatile. fresh tarragon works great instead of dill and you can easily substitute olive oil for avocado oil in the same ratio.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness on a Plate

This dish is not only tasty, but it is packed with goodness! per serving you are looking at approximately 450 calories.

You are also getting 40g of protein and 30g of fat. plus, 5g of carbs and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Salmon is amazing for your heart, you know? it is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are like little superheroes for your health.

If you are looking for salmon recipes for weight loss , this could be great!

So there you have it! all the notes you need to nail this recipe. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

And most importantly, have fun! i promise it will become one of your favourite quick salmon recipes . happy cooking!

Best Easy Salmon Recipe! Lemon-Herb Baked Salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked in these healthy salmon recipes? I'm always worried about overdoing it!

Nobody wants dry salmon, love! The best way to tell is to gently flake it with a fork. If it separates easily and is opaque throughout, it's ready. For extra insurance, use a meat thermometer – aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remember, it will continue to cook a little even after you take it out of the oven, so don't wait for it to be completely solid.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe, or does it have to be fresh?

You absolutely can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. Pat it dry with paper towels before putting it on the baking sheet – this helps it get a nice sear in the oven. Using fresh salmon is great, but frozen is a budget-friendly and convenient option too.

My asparagus always turns out soggy! How can I ensure it's crisp-tender when baking alongside the salmon?

Soggy asparagus is a tragedy, isn't it? First, make sure you've trimmed the tough ends off the asparagus spears. Toss them with the olive oil, salt, and pepper right before they go on the baking sheet to avoid them sitting in the oil for too long. If you find your oven tends to overcook vegetables, consider adding the asparagus to the baking sheet about 5-7 minutes after you put the salmon in.

I'm trying to eat healthier – what are the nutritional benefits of this lemon-herb baked salmon recipe?

This recipe is a nutritional powerhouse! Salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. Plus, it's a fantastic source of protein. Asparagus is loaded with vitamins and fiber, making this dish a well-rounded and healthy meal. The fresh herbs add antioxidants and flavour without adding extra calories.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time, or is it best served immediately?

While this recipe is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture, you can prep some elements in advance. You can mix the lemon-herb sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also trim the asparagus ahead of time. However, I recommend baking the salmon and asparagus right before serving to avoid the salmon drying out.

What are some fun variations I can try to spice up this healthy salmon recipe? I'm feeling adventurous!

Feeling like Gordon Ramsay, eh? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the lemon-herb sauce for a kick. Or, for a Mediterranean twist, add some chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the baking sheet. You could also swap the dill for fresh tarragon. Get creative and have fun with it!