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Easy 5-Ingredient Sheet Pan Salmon Recipe with Asparagus and Lemon for Perfect Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and simple sheet pan salmon recipe featuring asparagus and lemon, perfect for healthy and satisfying weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces or 170g each), skin-on or off
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 large lemon, zested and sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the salmon skin from sticking.
  2. Trim the asparagus by snapping or cutting off the woody ends (about 1-2 inches). Lay the asparagus in a single layer on one side of the sheet pan.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and the zest of one lemon. Stir well to infuse the oil with garlic and citrus aroma.
  4. Pour half of the olive oil mixture over the asparagus. Using tongs, toss to coat evenly. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) on the other side of the sheet pan. Brush or drizzle the remaining olive oil mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Lay thin lemon slices over the salmon fillets to infuse flavor and keep the fish moist during roasting.
  7. Roast in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. The asparagus should be tender-crisp, and the salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside.
  8. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the salmon is about 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or up to 145°F (63°C) if you prefer well done.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Serve immediately with the roasted asparagus on the side. Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill for added flavor and color.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even roasting. Use fresh garlic and lemon zest for best flavor. Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness. Rotate pan halfway through roasting if your oven cooks unevenly. Let salmon rest after cooking to keep it moist. Optional variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Asparagus can be swapped with green beans, broccolini, or zucchini if out of season.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan salmon, asparagus, lemon, easy dinner, healthy recipe, weeknight meal, 5-ingredient recipe, quick salmon, gluten-free, dairy-free