When you're running low on time but still craving a healthy and flavorful meal, look no farther than this baked salmon with lemon and asparagus dish. Individual salmon filets are seasoned with herbs and spices, topped with lemon slices, and baked alongside fresh asparagus for a meal that's high in nutrients and low in fat. Preparing the whole dish takes just 30 minutes, start to finish!
While the recipe below calls for individual salmon filets, you could also prepare the dish using one large filet and serve it after it's cooked. The simplicity of this dish really allows you to taste the fish, and baking the salmon in this way makes the meat tender and flaky. This is an excellent dinner to prepare on a busy night.
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Asparagus
6
10 mins
20 mins
30 mins
6 individual salmon filets
1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
½ cup butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon
1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
Fresh chopped parsley (to garnish)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the salmon filets on the baking sheet. Arrange the asparagus around the filets in a single layer.
Slice half the lemon, and place lemon slices underneath each filet. Season the salmon and asparagus with salt and pepper.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and Italian seasoning to the saucepan, and stir until well-blended. Remove from the heat, and pour the butter mixture over the salmon filets. Make sure the filets are well-coated with the butter.
Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake for 10 minutes. Then, set the oven to broil, and allow to broil for another 5-7 minutes, until the tops of the filets start to brown.
Once the fish is cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve the salmon filets on individual plates alongside roasted asparagus. Squeeze the juice of the remaining ½ lemon over the salmon and asparagus. Garnish with more lemon slices and/or fresh chopped parsley.
Pro-tip: For an extra layer of flavor, top the filets with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Pro-tip: To make this dish a full meal, serve alongside fresh steamed rice or roasted baby potatoes.
