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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.
Fantastic. Followed recipe closely, less salmon as I feed only 2 people, and had no asparagus. Will make it again.
This was very yummy. I made it in my toaster oven because it’s summer and I only wanted a small portion. The salmon was a thin piece so it cooked before the asparagus but that was fine, it was till very moist and delicious. I took it out and cooked the asparagus a bit longer. Also because I saw someone mentioned they’d cooked your salmon with Parmesan I threw some of that on at the end. Soooo good. Will be making again!
Do we put aluminium foil on the baking tray first, then put a baking sheet on top of the aluminium foil, then put salmon on the baking sheet?
Everyone this great lately every time I cook Salmon I use this recipe it is very quick and “SO GOOD”
Salmon is one of my favorites and I absolutely loved how it came out with this recipe. Thank you!
I made this last night and it was a huge success! I didn’t have any garlic, so I added garlic powder to the lemon juice, and I love dill with salmon so I added some dill weed to the lemon juice as well.
I was seriously skeptical that it could be THAT easy and THAT fast, but it really was! We had dinner on the table in twenty minutes flat, and the salmon was flaky and moist and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth. I am definitely putting this into my permanent rotation.
Thank you!
Going to try make it for good Friday family dinner
Do u place the sheet pan over the broiler? Or just on the rack?
I’m not a salmon person, can I do the same with Cod?
I don’t like Salmon either, so I would like to know too.
Yes Cod would be fine
I LOVE salmon but my darling husband detests it, and I want to be a good little wife and make meals he will eat. Any suggestions on other milder fish that would work? Of note, I’m pregnant so there are quite a few fish I cannot eat right now, including tuna. I know tilapia has a bad reputation, but would it be suitable for this recipe? Thanks!