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Easy Lemon Herb Salmon and Asparagus: Best 20-Minute Dinner

easy lemon herb salmon and asparagus - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan dinner featuring perfectly flaky salmon and tender asparagus tossed with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy, delicious weeknight meal that looks impressive with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb)
  • 2 large lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Rinse salmon fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Place skin-side down on one half of the prepared sheet pan.
  3. Rinse asparagus and snap off woody ends. Arrange in a single layer on the other half of the sheet pan.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, dill, parsley, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Drizzle about two-thirds of the lemon herb mixture over the salmon fillets, spreading evenly. Reserve the rest for the asparagus.
  6. Drizzle remaining mixture over the asparagus and toss gently to coat. Spread back into a single layer.
  7. Slice the remaining lemon into thin rounds. Place a few slices on each salmon fillet and scatter the rest around the asparagus.
  8. Roast for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp. For medium salmon, internal temperature should reach 125-130°F.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest 2-3 minutes. Discard lemon slices from salmon if desired. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and red pepper flakes if using.
  10. Serve salmon with asparagus. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before eating.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best sear. Do not overcrowd the pan. Check doneness early as ovens vary. For extra color, broil last 1-2 minutes. Let salmon sit at room temperature 10 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Leftovers keep in refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in low oven or skillet.

Nutrition

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