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Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon with asparagus is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels effortless yet tastes like a restaurant dish. Juicy salmon fillets soak up the fresh zing of lemon, the savory punch of garlic, and a touch of parsley as they bake to perfection in just 10 minutes. This one-pan wonder not only makes cleanup a breeze, but it also delivers a wholesome mix of healthy fats and protein, proving that baked salmon can be both easy and irresistibly flavorful.
What Makes This Recipe Work
This Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon is a perfect balance of fresh, bold flavors and simplicity. The zesty lemon brightens the rich salmon, while garlic and parsley add depth, making it a dish that feels elegant without being complicated. Plus, baking it ensures tender, flaky results every single time.
Another reason people love this recipe is how effortless it is. Everything cooks on one pan, alongside crisp asparagus, for a complete meal in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re craving lemon salmon or an easy salmon with lemon and garlic, this dish brings maximum flavor with minimal effort.
What Goes Into Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
This one-pan dinner comes together with fresh, simple ingredients that let the flavors shine.
- Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish, rich in healthy fats and protein, they bake into tender, flaky perfection.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a citrusy punch that balances the richness of the salmon.
- Garlic: Brings a savory depth and aromatic kick that infuses the salmon and vegetables as they roast.
- Asparagus: A crisp, green side that cooks right alongside the fish, making this baked salmon recipe a complete meal on one pan.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Preheat and Position: Preheat the broiler or grill to high. Set the rack on the second top shelf, about 8 inches from the heat, and line a large baking sheet with foil.
- Arrange the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the lined tray in a single layer. Pat dry and space them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Season and Coat: Rub each fillet with the garlic and chopped parsley. Pour the lemon juice, spray lightly with oil, and season with salt and cracked pepper.
- Add Veg and Lemon: Arrange the asparagus and greens around the salmon in one layer. Lay the lemon slices over the top to infuse more citrus flavor.
- Broil to Finish: Broil for 8 to 10 minutes until the salmon is cooked to your liking. Eight minutes works well if the oven is already hot and the fillets are average thickness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer salmon and vegetables to plates while hot. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve with the asparagus and beans or peas.
Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes are a bright, zesty match for Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon, echoing the citrus while adding satisfying crunch. Balance the richness with a classic Greek Salad loaded with cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta for cool, briny contrast.
For something a little heartier, One Pot Orzo Primavera gives you tender pasta and spring veggies in one easy side. The orzo catches the lemony pan juices from your baked salmon, tying everything together without feeling heavy.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning so it bakes evenly.
Skinless fillets of Atlantic or wild-caught salmon are great choices, but any fresh fillets will work.
Yes, melted butter adds richness, but olive oil keeps it a bit lighter and heart-healthy.
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One Pan Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon and Asparagus
Ingredients
- 4 – 6 salmon fillets skin removed
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/3 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 spray Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt or sea salt flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 4 bunches asparagus 24 spears, woody ends removed
- 1 lemon sliced to garnish
- 1/3 cup beans peas or any other greens
Instructions
- Preheat oven broiler (or grill) to high heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil. Arrange oven shelf to the second top shelf (about 8-inches from the heat element).
- Place the salmon on a large baking tray. Rub each fillet evenly with the garlic and parsley to evenly coat; pour over the lemon juice. Spray with a light coating of olive oil spray and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus and greens around the salmon in a single layer, and place the lemon slices over the top.
- Broil (or grill) for 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through to your liking (we find 8 minutes is perfect if the oven is hot).
- Serve with the asparagus and beans/peas and these Crisp Smashed Potatoes!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is this baked or broiled? I see both terms used.
Hi Julie, great point, the recipe calls for broiling the salmon, so it really should be broiled salmon as the title. Enjoy cooking Xx
This is a great, easy meal. I added cauliflower (treated as per asparagus) but put it in over 10 minutes before salmon and asparagus.
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