Looking for a simple and delicious dinner that delivers on both flavor and health? This ultimate baked salmon recipe with roasted asparagus is your answer. It’s a complete, nutrient-packed meal roasted to perfection on a single pan, transforming basic ingredients into a gourmet-tasting dinner with minimal effort and a clean kitchen. This simple yet elegant dish is rich in protein and healthy fats, and it’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
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Why This Baked Salmon Recipe Works for You
This isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a smart one. The star of the dish, salmon, is not only a fantastic source of high-quality protein but is also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and managing inflammation. You’ll also get a healthy dose of vitamin D and B vitamins. The asparagus provides essential vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin K, as well as fiber and prebiotics to support your digestive health. When you combine these two nutrient powerhouses, you get a balanced plate that offers sustained energy and satisfaction without the glycemic spikes.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to bring this flavorful meal to life.
- 1 salmon fillet (6˜ oz)
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh dill and parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Making this meal couldn’t be easier. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gourmet-tasting dinner in minutes.
- Preheat the oven and prep the veggies: Preheat your oven to 400^\\circ F. Trim the tough, woody ends from the asparagus. On a large baking sheet, toss the asparagus with the olive oil, minced garlic, a generous pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- Season the salmon: Place the salmon fillet on the same baking sheet, nestled among the asparagus spears. Drizzle the top of the salmon with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your fresh dill and parsley. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the fillet.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15−20 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp. To check for doneness, you can gently press the top of the fillet with a fork. It should flake easily when it’s done.
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully transfer the salmon and asparagus to a plate. Serve immediately, and you’ll have a hearty and healthy dinner with just one pan to wash!
Serving Suggestions & Pro-Tips
This incredibly versatile baked salmon recipe is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate it even further with some simple additions. Its simplicity allows you to easily customize it based on your taste and what’s in season.
- For a complete meal: Serve the salmon and asparagus over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to add some complex carbohydrates. A light and tangy side salad with a simple vinaigrette is also a perfect complement.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, or chopped bell peppers onto the pan for more color and nutrients. They will roast alongside the main ingredients, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Spice it up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the asparagus before baking.
- Change the herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or oregano are great alternatives to dill and parsley.
- Add a finishing touch: For an added layer of flavor and texture, top the finished dish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
This simple yet effective recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a testament to the power of fresh, whole ingredients to create a truly satisfying and delicious meal. You’ll want to add this go-to baked salmon recipe to your weekly rotation.