Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic and Asparagus

▸ Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic and Asparagus – Healthy Omega-3 Dinner

Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic and Asparagus is a simple and flavorful dinner featuring tender salmon fillets, fresh asparagus, garlic, lemon, and extra-virgin olive oil. It comes together quickly and makes an excellent healthy weeknight meal.

This balanced dinner provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Baking the salmon and asparagus together keeps preparation simple while allowing the lemon, garlic, and herbs to create a fresh and savory flavor.

▹ Recipe Information

• Serving Size: 2 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

▹ Ingredients

▹ Nutrition Information

▹ How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic and Asparagus

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Arrange the spears in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet.
3. Prepare the garlic lemon mixture. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, juice from half of the lemon, chopped dill, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
4. Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the baking sheet next to the asparagus.
5. Season everything. Brush the salmon generously with the garlic lemon mixture. Toss the asparagus with the remaining mixture and arrange it evenly around the salmon.
6. Add lemon slices. Thinly slice the remaining lemon and place several slices over the salmon and asparagus.
7. Bake. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Rest briefly. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
9. Serve. Divide the salmon and roasted asparagus between two plates. Spoon any remaining lemon and garlic juices from the pan over the salmon and garnish with fresh dill.

▹ Helpful Tips

• Choose salmon fillets of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
• Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to help the surface roast nicely.
• Do not overcook the salmon. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.
• For more intense lemon flavor, add fresh lemon zest to the garlic herb mixture.
• If the asparagus is particularly thick, roast it for 5 minutes before adding the salmon.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

▹ Variations

You can replace asparagus with broccoli, green beans, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or a mixture of colorful vegetables. For additional flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or Italian herbs.

For a Mediterranean-style version, add cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the baking sheet. You can also finish the cooked salmon with fresh parsley, basil, or a small amount of crumbled feta.

▹ Serving Ideas

Serve Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic and Asparagus on its own for a lighter, low-carbohydrate dinner. For a more substantial meal, pair it with brown rice, quinoa, farro, roasted potatoes, or a small portion of whole-grain couscous.

A fresh green salad, avocado, or simple cucumber salad can also complement the salmon. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.

▹ Why This Recipe Is Healthy

Salmon provides high-quality protein along with omega-3 fatty acids, which are important components of a balanced eating pattern. It also provides nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and potassium.

Asparagus adds fiber, folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants while keeping the meal light and vegetable-rich. Lemon and garlic provide fresh flavor without requiring a heavy sauce, while extra-virgin olive oil contributes beneficial unsaturated fats.

The combination of salmon, asparagus, lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a nutrient-dense dinner that is simple enough for busy weeknights while still feeling fresh and satisfying.

Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic and Asparagus combines tender salmon with roasted asparagus, fresh lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil for a flavorful, protein-rich dinner packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vegetables.

Enjoy this easy Baked Salmon with Lemon, Garlic and Asparagus as a wholesome weeknight dinner with fresh citrus flavor, tender salmon, and nutritious roasted vegetables.