Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus
This Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus offers a flavorful and healthy meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll love this simple dinner recipe for its quick cooking time and delicious results, perfect for any weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Salmon Fillets: Use fresh or frozen (thawed) fillets.
- Asparagus: Fresh green asparagus spears work best.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and slices are essential.
- Herbs: Dried Italian seasoning is convenient, or use fresh dill, parsley, or thyme.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), tough ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper or foil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, ensuring this simple dinner recipe stays hassle-free.
2. Season the Asparagus
On the prepared baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the asparagus in an even layer.
3. Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
4. Arrange and Bake
Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the baking sheet alongside the asparagus. Arrange lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender-crisp. This makes for one of the easiest simple dinner recipes.
5. Serve Immediately
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve your Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Asparagus immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Variation Ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh dill or parsley instead of Italian seasoning.
- Additional Veggies: Include cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced zucchini on the baking sheet during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover salmon and asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, ensure the salmon is fully thawed before preparing it for the best results.
How do you know when salmon is cooked?
Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can you prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can mix the seasoning ahead of time, but it’s best to season and bake the salmon and asparagus just before cooking.
What kind of asparagus should you use?
Fresh, medium-sized asparagus spears are ideal; avoid overly thick or very thin ones.
Do you need to peel the asparagus?
No, you only need to snap off the tough, woody ends.
Is this a good meal for meal prepping?
Yes, this is a great simple dinner recipe for meal prepping, offering healthy and delicious components.
