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Three Nutella Banana Swirl Muffins on a white plate, showcasing a rich chocolate swirl and melted chocolate, with a banana blurred behind.
Layla

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

A fast, bright weeknight sheet-pan meal—tangy lemon-garlic salmon roasted alongside tender, slightly charred asparagus for easy cleanup and big flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon & Vegetables
  • 1.5 lb skin-on salmon fillets about 4 fillets, 6 oz each
  • 1 lb asparagus trimmed, thicker stalks halved lengthwise if very large
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp lemon zest finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper divided
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and lightly oil the surface with 1 tsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a small bowl whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon, honey, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until combined and slightly emulsified.
  3. Place trimmed asparagus on one side of the prepared sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss with your hands to coat and spread in a single layer so stalks are not overlapping.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, place skin-side down on the empty side of the baking sheet (space them apart). Spoon or brush about three-quarters of the lemon-garlic dressing evenly over the tops of the fillets, reserving the rest for finishing.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the salmon is opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork. Salmon should register about 125–130°F for medium (it will continue to rise while resting).
  6. Remove the sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest 2 minutes. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the salmon and asparagus, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Tip: For even cooking, bring salmon to room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting. Substitution: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Make-ahead: Whisk the dressing up to 24 hours ahead and store refrigerated; bring to room temp before using.