Description
This Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus recipe offers a quick and healthy dinner option featuring tender salmon fillets and crisp-tender asparagus roasted together with aromatic lemon, garlic, and herbs. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for minimal cleanup and a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Half of the garlic (from 3 cloves, so approx. 1½ cloves minced)
- Half of the dried Italian seasoning (approx. ½ tsp)
- Half of the salt (¼ tsp)
- Half of the black pepper (⅛ tsp)
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Asparagus: Arrange the trimmed asparagus on one side of the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle half of the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the asparagus. Toss the asparagus gently to coat evenly with the seasonings.
- Initial Roasting: Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to start softening them before adding the salmon.
- Prepare Salmon Fillets: While the asparagus is roasting, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the salmon evenly with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor.
- Add Salmon to Sheet Pan: After the asparagus has roasted for 5 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Arrange the prepared salmon fillets on the sheet pan alongside the asparagus. Place lemon slices around the salmon to add a bright citrus aroma during roasting.
- Final Roasting: Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for an additional 10–14 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).
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the salmon and asparagus with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus freshness.
Notes
- Thicker salmon fillets may require a few extra minutes of roasting time to cook through.
- For enhanced flavor, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus before roasting.
- Add cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced zucchini to the sheet pan for additional vegetable variety.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon; it should remain moist and flake easily when done.
- Serve this dish alongside rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood, Sheet Pan Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
