Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

Recipe Introduction: Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon

Ever get that "what's for dinner?" dread? I totally get it. That's why I'm sharing one of my go-to easy high protein dinners .

This recipe uses salmon to make a flavourful dinner that makes even a dreary monday feel amazing.

Quick Hook

Ready for something zesty? This lemon herb salmon is baked with asparagus. It's got Mediterranean flavours, and it's ready in under 30 minutes! It's light, zingy and such an Easy Weeknight Dinners High Protein .

Brief Overview

This recipe originates from my love of Mediterranean cuisine. I adapted it for weeknight cooking. It's super easy, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes two servings, perfect for a couple or for one hungry person with leftovers.

Main Benefits

Salmon is packed with healthy fats and protein. It's great for your heart and muscles. It can be a great High Protein Low Cal Dinner Recipes .

This meal is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something healthy, delicious, and quick. What makes it special is the bright, fresh flavor and Low Prep Dinner

What You'll Need

Time to shop! Here's what goes into my Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon recipe. I've made some slight adjustments to reduce calories and make it even better:

• Two (6 ounce) salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 minced garlic clove
• Half a teaspoon sea salt
• Quarter teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• Quarter teaspoon sea salt
• Eighth teaspoon black pepper
• Optional parmesan cheese

Honestly, even if you're not a huge cook, you can nail this. It's almost too easy and it uses simple ingredients to make it very nutritious, a Healthy Protein Meals .

Don't be shy with the herbs! They make all the difference.

Putting it All Together

First, preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Then, toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Place the salmon on the baking sheet with the asparagus. Spoon the lemon herb mixture over the salmon. Bake for 12- 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked and the asparagus is tender.

Don't overcook the salmon! Serve it up with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete, delicious meal.

You can even add a dollop of Greek yogurt. Enjoy one of my favorite Quick high protein meals ! You may also consider that this recipe will work greatly with other fish type, so it becomes Easy fish recipes high protein

This dish is really light, and so perfect if you're on a Mediterranean diet high protein meals . Plus you can try it as a High Protein Low Carb Recipes so you don't feel guilty having that last bite.

Ingredients & Equipment for Speedy Salmon

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this easy high protein dinner . Honestly, it's so simple, even after a long day you can't mess it up! We are going to make Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Roasted Asparagus, a classic for easy weeknight dinners high protein .

Main Ingredients: The Good Stuff

Here's what you need for two hungry people.

• Salmon Fillets: 2 ( 6 ounce/ 170g ) fillets. Fresh is best, but frozen works too! Look for bright color and firm flesh. Honestly? If it smells too fishy, steer clear.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) for the salmon and 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) for the asparagus.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ), freshly squeezed. Pre-bottled stuff just isn't the same.
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ), from about half a lemon.
• Fresh Parsley & Dill: 1 tablespoon ( 7g ) each, chopped. Fresh herbs make all the difference!
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced. I'm a garlic fiend so sometimes I add two.
• Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) salt, ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) pepper for the salmon; ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) salt, ⅛ teaspoon ( 0.625 ml ) pepper for the asparagus. Adjust to your taste.
• Asparagus: 1 pound ( 450g ), trimmed. Snap off the woody ends they’re no fun.

This recipe is perfect for high protein low cal dinner recipes since salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats.

Plus, it matches perfectly with Mediterranean diet high protein meals , focusing on fresh, whole ingredients. So if you want a quick high protein meals try this out!.

Seasoning: The Flavor Boost

Let's talk seasoning. A flavor enhancer is the combo of lemon, herbs, and garlic. It's a classic for a reason! If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will do.

Reduce the amount by half. Red pepper flakes is a quick substitution option if you want a healthy protein meals .

Equipment: Keep It Simple

Here’s the bare minimum you'll need.

• Baking Sheet: To roast everything.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the lemon herb mixture.
• Whisk (optional): For the lemon herb mixture. A fork works just as well.
• Lemon Zester (optional): If you're feeling fancy. A grater works too.

This is a low prep dinner as you only need to gather these ingredients. If you don't have a baking sheet, you can use a large oven safe skillet.

This recipe fits for high protein low carb recipes .

And that's it! No fancy gadgets needed for this easy fish recipes high protein recipe. Now you're ready to get cooking!. Remember to try and explore different salmon dinner recipes .

Cooking Method: Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

Alright, let's talk cooking! As someone who's cooked more meals than watched Bake Off, I get the need for quick and tasty easy high protein dinners .

This lemon herb salmon and asparagus? It's a game changer for easy weeknight dinners .

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first. Get organized! This is your mise en place moment. Chop your parsley, dill, and garlic. Zest and juice your lemon.

Honestly, having everything ready saves so much time and stress. Trust me on this. Remember to trim your asparagus, too.

A quick rinse of everything is always a good idea. Also, remember to wash your hands before starting!

step-by-step: From Raw to Ready in Minutes

Here's how we turn simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will make you forget about those pesky high protein low cal dinner recipes .

1. Preheat that Oven : Get your oven to 400° F / 200° C / Gas Mark 6 .
2. Dress the Asparagus : Toss your trimmed asparagus with 1 tablespoon / 15 ml olive oil, ¼ teaspoon / 1.25 ml salt, and ⅛ teaspoon / 0.625 ml pepper on a baking sheet. Make it a single layer.
3. Whisk the Magic : Mix 2 tablespoons / 30 ml olive oil, 1 tablespoon / 15 ml lemon juice, 1 teaspoon / 5 ml lemon zest, 1 tablespoon / 7g parsley, 1 tablespoon / 7g dill, 1 clove minced garlic, ½ teaspoon / 2.5 ml salt, and ¼ teaspoon / 1.25 ml pepper in a bowl.
4. Salmon Seasoning : Lay those 2 (6 ounce / 170g) salmon fillets (skin on or off, you do you) next to the asparagus. Spoon or brush the lemon herb mixture all over them.
5. Bake to Perfection : Bake for 12- 15 minutes . The salmon should flake easily with a fork. Watch it closely. Overcooked salmon is sad salmon!

This recipe works especially great as a low prep dinner .

Pro Tips: Secret Chef Hacks

Want to level up your salmon game? Here are a few of my tricks for some high protein healthy dinners that taste like you spent hours on it.

• Don't overcook the salmon . Aim for slightly underdone. It keeps cooking after you take it out.
• Fresh herbs are your best friend. They give it that oomph . If using dried, halve the amount.
• Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper? Genius . Cleanup is a breeze.

This dish is a fantastic entry point into the mediterranean diet high protein meals world, offering a taste of freshness and health.

It is a real treat for anyone who enjoys easy fish recipes high protein . It’s also a lifesaver if you are looking for some high protein low carb recipes .

Whether you need some quick high protein meals or just some salmon dinner recipes , this has you covered.

And that's it! Seriously, is that not the easiest high protein meal ever? It’s delicious, it's relatively healthy, and you’re not stuck in the kitchen all night.

Go on, give it a go!

Alright, let's dive into some extra notes for the Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus! I've made this dish a million times, honestly.

It's one of my go-to easy high protein dinners . It's also a fantastic way to enjoy easy fish recipes high protein , and it's naturally part of a mediterranean diet high protein meals .

Recipe Notes

Serving like a Pro

Okay, so presentation matters, right? Plating this up nicely can turn a simple dinner into something a bit special. I like to arrange the asparagus spears neatly on the plate, then place the salmon on top.

A little extra lemon wedge always looks good. Honestly, a side of quinoa makes this a truly balanced meal. Pair it with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Trust me, the combo is fab.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? No worries! This salmon keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just pop it in an airtight container.

I don't recommend freezing cooked salmon, it can get a bit dry, you know? For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works.

But, I prefer to reheat it in the oven at 275° F / 135° C for about 10 minutes to keep it moist.

Variations on a Theme

Fancy switching things up? This recipe is super flexible. If you're watching your carbs, this high protein low carb recipes is perfect as is! For a dairy-free version, just skip the parmesan on the asparagus.

You can also swap out the asparagus for green beans or broccoli depending on what's in season. It makes it a great low prep dinner option.

Nutrition Basics

Okay, so this dish is not only delicious, but good for you too!. Roughly speaking, each serving clocks in around 450 calories with a whopping 45 grams of protein .

This is a great choice for healthy protein meals and also a quick high protein meals or even high protein healthy dinners .

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are brilliant for your heart. The asparagus is a great source of vitamins and fiber.

Think of this recipe as a high protein low cal dinner recipe option.

So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus even more amazing.

Don't be afraid to experiment, it is one of the best salmon dinner recipes out there! This recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners high protein .

Now go on, get cooking and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Speedy Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus recipe really one of the easiest high protein dinners out there?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. With minimal prep and a quick bake in the oven, you can have a delicious and protein packed meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

It's perfect for those nights when you're short on time but still want something healthy and satisfying, even Jamie Oliver would approve!

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

Frozen salmon works perfectly well! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Patting it dry with paper towels after thawing will help it crisp up nicely in the oven. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.

What if I don't like asparagus? What else can I roast with the salmon to keep this an easy high protein dinner?

Not a fan of asparagus? No worries! Broccoli florets, green beans, or even sliced bell peppers make excellent substitutes. Just toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper just like the asparagus, and roast them alongside the salmon. The cooking time should be roughly the same for most of these alternatives.

How long will leftovers of this baked salmon and asparagus last, and what's the best way to store them?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying), in a microwave, or enjoy them cold on top of a salad. Cold salmon can be surprisingly tasty!

How can I be sure my salmon is cooked perfectly and not overcooked, making it dry?

The key to perfectly cooked salmon is to avoid overcooking it. Salmon should be slightly translucent in the center when it's done. A good rule of thumb is to bake it for 4-6 minutes per half inch of thickness. It should also flake easily with a fork when gently pressed.

Remember, it will continue to cook slightly after you take it out of the oven.