Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus: Dinner doesn’t get much easier, or healthier, than this! Imagine perfectly flaky salmon, infused with lemon and herbs, nestled alongside tender-crisp asparagus, all cooked together on a single sheet pan. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight savior that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

While sheet pan cooking might seem like a modern convenience, the concept of roasting vegetables and proteins together has roots in various culinary traditions. Think of the rustic simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh ingredients are often roasted with olive oil and herbs to create vibrant, flavorful dishes. This Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus recipe takes that same principle and elevates it with the delicate flavors of salmon and the bright, green goodness of asparagus.

So, why is this dish such a winner? For starters, the taste is incredible. The salmon absorbs the flavors of the lemon and herbs beautifully, while the asparagus roasts to a perfect tenderness, offering a delightful textural contrast. Beyond the taste, it’s incredibly convenient. The one-pan cleanup is a dream, and the entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also a healthy option, packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Salmon fillet, skin on or off, your preference!
• 1 lb Asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp Olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 Lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tsp Dried dill
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Salmon and Asparagus:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for ensuring the salmon cooks through without drying out and the asparagus becomes tender-crisp.
2. Prepare the sheet pan. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the salmon from sticking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the sheet pan with olive oil.
3. Prepare the asparagus. Wash the asparagus thoroughly and snap off the tough ends. The natural breaking point is usually about one-third of the way up from the bottom. Discard the tough ends.
4. Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This helps the salmon to get a nice sear in the oven. Check for any pin bones and remove them with tweezers if necessary.

Making the Dijon-Honey Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. This glaze adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the salmon and complements the asparagus perfectly. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or honey to your liking. Remember that the flavors will intensify during cooking.

Assembling the Sheet Pan:

1. Arrange the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the asparagus spears aren’t overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast.
2. Drizzle half of the Dijon-honey glaze over the asparagus. Toss the asparagus gently to coat it evenly.
3. Place the salmon fillet on the baking sheet next to the asparagus. If you’re using salmon with the skin on, place it skin-side down.
4. Spread the remaining Dijon-honey glaze evenly over the salmon fillet. Make sure the entire surface of the salmon is coated with the glaze.
5. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the salmon. The lemon slices will infuse the salmon with a bright, citrusy flavor. You can also tuck some lemon slices in between the asparagus spears.

Cooking the Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet and the size of the asparagus spears.
2. Check the salmon for doneness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
3. Check the asparagus for doneness. The asparagus should be tender-crisp, meaning it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it.
4. If the asparagus is cooking faster than the salmon, you can remove the asparagus from the oven and keep it warm while the salmon finishes cooking.
5. If the salmon is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist salmon.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve immediately. Sheet pan salmon and asparagus is best served fresh out of the oven.
4. Serve with your favorite sides. This dish pairs well with quinoa, rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad.
5. Enjoy! This sheet pan salmon and asparagus is a healthy, delicious, and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different vegetables. You can substitute other vegetables for the asparagus, such as broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Use different herbs and spices. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some other good options include thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the salmon and asparagus perfectly.
• Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Dijon-honey glaze for a touch of heat.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor that complements the salmon and asparagus. Add the Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
• Use different types of salmon. You can use different types of salmon, such as sockeye, coho, or king salmon. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it ahead of time. You can prepare the sheet pan salmon and asparagus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook it, simply bake it in the preheated oven as directed.
• Leftovers. Leftover salmon and asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. It’s also delicious cold in salads or sandwiches.
• For a crispier asparagus: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• If you don’t have Dijon mustard: You can substitute it with yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Health Benefits:

• Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health, heart health, and overall well-being.
• Asparagus is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and fiber.
• This dish is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. This makes it a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for people who are watching their weight or following a low-carb diet.
• It’s a quick and easy meal to prepare. This sheet pan salmon and asparagus is a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Conclusion:

This Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The flaky, perfectly cooked salmon, infused with lemon and herbs, paired with tender-crisp asparagus, all roasted on a single pan – it’s simplicity at its finest, and the cleanup is a breeze! If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy meal, this is it. But the best part? It’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, or a dash of red pepper flakes can kick up the heat. You could also swap out the asparagus for other vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or even sliced zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked to perfection. For serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless. I personally love serving this Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up all those delicious pan juices. A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy finish. You could also flake the salmon and toss it with the asparagus and some pasta for a quick and easy pasta salad. Another great option is to serve it alongside a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal. And don’t forget the sides! A crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the pan juices is always a winner. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, you could whip up a batch of roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes pair perfectly with the savory salmon and asparagus. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests. The vibrant colors and delicious aromas are sure to impress. I truly believe that this Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. What more could you ask for? So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sheet pan, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know how you made this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!

Print