Are you on the hunt for Healthy Dinner Recipes that don’t take forever to make? I know the feeling. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated meal with a mountain of dishes. It’s a real struggle sometimes.
Well, I have some great news for you. This one pan baked salmon and asparagus recipe is here to save your weeknights. It’s one of my favorite Healthy Meal Ideas because it’s so simple, packed with flavor, and cleanup is a total breeze. Seriously, one pan is all you need!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s talk about why this dish is so fantastic. First off, the one pan method is a lifesaver. Everything cooks together on a single baking sheet. This means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. Who doesn’t love that?
The flavor is just incredible. The combination of rich salmon, tender asparagus, and that zesty lemon garlic butter is just so good. It tastes like something you would get at a nice restaurant, but you made it right in your own kitchen.
It’s also a wonderfully balanced meal. You get healthy fats and protein from the salmon. You also get lots of vitamins and fiber from the asparagus. It’s a complete dish that nourishes your body and satisfies your taste buds.
This is one of those Clean Eating Recipes that feels indulgent. The butter sauce makes everything feel so luxurious. Yet, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s proof that healthy food can be comforting and delicious.
It is also incredibly quick. From start to finish, you are looking at about 20 minutes of your time. This makes it a great option for those busy nights when you are tempted to order takeout. This is faster and so much better for you.
Finally, this recipe is very beginner friendly. There are no complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed. If you can turn on your oven and mash some butter with a fork, you can definitely make this dish. It is a great way to build confidence in the kitchen.
It’s one of those reliable Healthy Dinner Ideas you will come back to again and again.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather. The ingredient list is short and sweet, focusing on fresh, flavorful items that come together beautifully. It’s all about simplicity.
For The Salmon And Asparagus
- 2 lbs salmon filet, cut into six 6 oz portions
- 2 lbs asparagus, with the tough ends removed
- Salt and black pepper, added to your taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small lemon, sliced into rings for a nice garnish
For The Lemon Garlic Herb Butter
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, from one small lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced finely
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt, sea salt works wonderfully here
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to cook? Let’s walk through this together. It’s one of the easiest Healthy Dinner Recipes you will ever make. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Prep
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 450°F and make sure the oven rack is in the top third. This position helps everything cook evenly and get a nice color later on.
Next, grab a large rimmed baking sheet. Lining it with parchment paper is a key step for easy cleanup. Try to trim the paper so it fits inside the pan. This prevents the edges from burning under the broiler.
Step 2: Assemble The Pan
Now for the fun part. Place your salmon filets in a single row right down the center of your prepared baking sheet. This gives them plenty of space to cook.
Arrange the trimmed asparagus on both sides of the salmon. It’s okay if they are a little crowded. They will shrink a bit as they cook. Drizzle the asparagus lightly with olive oil and gently roll them to coat.
Finally, sprinkle both the salmon and the asparagus with a bit of salt and pepper. Don’t go too crazy with it, as we will be adding more seasoning in the butter.
Step 3: Make The Flavored Butter
Time to make the magic happen. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture is what makes this dish so amazing.
Use a fork to mash everything together. It might take a minute or two for it all to combine, but just keep mashing. It will come together into a beautiful, fragrant paste. A food processor also works if you are in a hurry.
Spoon about three quarters of this yummy butter mixture over the salmon filets. Spread it on as evenly as you can, but don’t stress about it being perfect. Then, dab the remaining butter over the asparagus.
Step 4: Bake And Broil
Top each piece of salmon with a thin slice of lemon. This not only looks pretty but also adds a bit more fresh citrus flavor as it bakes. Your search for great Healthy Dinner Ideas is almost complete.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes. A thinner filet might only need 10 minutes, while a thicker one will be closer to 12 minutes.
For that final touch, set your oven to broil. Broil for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will give the salmon a beautiful golden glow on top. Keep a close eye on it, as things can go from golden to burnt very quickly under the broiler.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use an instant read thermometer for the most accurate results.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, let the salmon and asparagus cool down completely to room temperature. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent any fishy smells from taking over your refrigerator. They will stay good in the fridge for up to three days.
When you are ready to eat them, you can reheat them gently in the oven at a low temperature. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry. A few seconds is all it needs.
Honestly, the leftovers are also delicious cold. I love flaking the cold salmon over a salad for a quick and easy lunch the next day. It’s a great way to enjoy these Clean Eating Recipes more than once.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few tips I have learned along the way. First, pay attention to your asparagus. This recipe is written for medium to thick spears. If yours are very thin, they will cook much faster.
For thin asparagus, you can either add them to the sheet pan halfway through the baking time or cook them on a separate pan. This way, you can pull them out when they are perfectly tender crisp.
Forgot to soften your butter? No problem. Here is a quick trick. Place the wrapped stick of butter in a sealed plastic bag. Submerge the bag in a bowl of warm water, around 100°F. It should be soft in about 10 to 15 minutes.
For the best results, pat your salmon filets dry with a paper towel before adding the butter. Removing excess moisture helps the top get that lovely golden color, especially under the broiler.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Broccoli florets or green beans would also be delicious with the lemon garlic butter. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Customizing is part of the fun with Healthy Meal Ideas.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A truly simple, flavorful, and beautiful meal that is perfect for any night of the week. This recipe proves that finding delicious Healthy Dinner Recipes doesn’t have to be a chore.
With just one pan and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a dinner that your whole family will love. It is a dish that is both elegant enough for company and easy enough for a Tuesday night. Give it a try soon!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes, you absolutely can. Just make sure to thaw it completely before you start cooking. The best way to do this is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pat it very dry before seasoning.
What Can I Serve With This?
This dish is a great meal on its own, but it also pairs well with many sides. For some extra carbs, you could serve it with quinoa, brown rice, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
Is This Recipe Keto Friendly?
It sure is. This meal is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a fantastic choice for anyone following a keto or low carb diet. It is one of the easiest keto friendly Healthy Dinner Recipes around.
How Do I Know When The Salmon Is Done Cooking?
The best way to tell is by using an instant read thermometer. It should read 145°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have one, you can check by gently pressing a fork into the salmon. It should flake easily when it is cooked through.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dairy free. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with your favorite dairy free butter alternative. The flavor will be just as wonderful, making it a versatile option for different dietary needs.
One Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus
This quick and easy one pan baked salmon and asparagus recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. Tender salmon and crisp asparagus are coated in a zesty lemon garlic butter for a comforting meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and position an oven rack in the top third. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, trimming it to fit inside the pan for easy cleanup.
- Place the salmon filets in a single row down the center of the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the trimmed asparagus on both sides of the salmon. Drizzle the asparagus lightly with olive oil and gently roll to coat.
- Lightly sprinkle both the salmon and asparagus with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until a fragrant paste forms (a food processor can also be used).
- Spoon about three quarters of the butter mixture evenly over the salmon filets. Dab the remaining butter over the asparagus.
- Top each piece of salmon with a thin slice of lemon. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes, adjusting time for salmon thickness.
- For a golden finish, set your oven to broil and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, verified with an instant read thermometer.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting and healthy one-pan meal.
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Do not fill the pint past the max fill line, as the mixture will expand during freezing and processing.
A full 24-hour freeze is essential for the best, creamiest texture. Rushing this step can result in an icy or soupy consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla protein with frozen berries or adding mint extract for a mint-chip version.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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