Recipes

Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus

Need a dinner hero that saves your weeknight without sacrificing flavor? This sheet pan salmon is about to become your new secret weapon! In just 20 minutes (yes, really!), you’ll have perfectly cooked, herb-infused salmon and tender asparagus ready to impress everyone at your table.

Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus

The magic of this dish is in its bright, zesty marinade that transforms simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. The combination of fresh lemon, aromatic herbs, and garlic creates a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the natural richness of salmon while making the asparagus absolutely irresistible. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just one pan to wash!

Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus

Ingredients

Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus

For the Salmon + Asparagus:

  • 4 (4-6 oz.) Salmon Fillets
  • 1 Pound Asparagus, ends trimmed

For the Marinade:

  • ¼ Cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Lemon, juiced + zested
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
  • 3 Cloves Fresh Garlic, mashed
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus

Steps

Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus
  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). This temperature is perfect for quick-cooking the salmon while still keeping it moist and allowing the asparagus to roast without becoming mushy.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier. Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the parchment, ensuring they’re not touching each other to allow for even cooking. Set aside while you prepare the marinade.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 3 mashed garlic cloves, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously until well combined – you should see the oil and lemon juice emulsify slightly.
  4. Pour approximately ¾ of the marinade evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat the tops and sides thoroughly. The acid in the lemon will begin to work immediately, so don’t prepare this too far in advance.
  5. Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the salmon fillets in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the asparagus and use your hands or tongs to toss them gently, ensuring each spear is coated.
  6. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-13 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly translucent in the center (internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium). The asparagus should be tender-crisp and bright green.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the salmon to finish cooking gently while the juices redistribute. Serve immediately with any pan juices drizzled over the top, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Herb Salmon with Asparagus

Smart Swaps

  • Use 1 tablespoon fresh thyme and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor
  • Swap asparagus for 1 pound green beans or 1 pound halved Brussels sprouts (may need 2-3 minutes longer cooking time)
  • Try 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning if you don’t have thyme and parsley on hand
  • Replace salmon with 4 (6 oz.) cod fillets (reduce cooking time to 10 minutes)

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

This recipe is naturally diabetes-friendly! The combination of protein-rich salmon and fiber-filled asparagus creates a meal with minimal impact on blood sugar. The entire dish contains approximately 3g of carbs per serving, primarily from the asparagus and garlic.

  • For an even lower-carb option, reduce asparagus to ¾ pound and add 1 cup sliced bell peppers (reduces carbs by about 1g per serving)
  • Serve with a side of ½ cup cooked quinoa instead of traditional rice or potatoes for slower carbohydrate absorption (adds 20g of complex carbs per serving)

Pro Tips

  • For extra crispy asparagus, arrange it in a single layer with space between each spear
  • Pat salmon dry with paper towels before marinating for better flavor absorption
  • For perfect doneness, look for salmon that’s opaque on the outside but still slightly translucent in the center
  • Let salmon come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for more even results
  • For a beautiful presentation, garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs just before serving

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