This easy sheet pan salmon with asparagus is the ultimate weeknight dinner: quick, healthy, and full of fresh flavor. With heart-healthy omega-3s, tender asparagus, and a bright hit of lemon and garlic, this one-pan salmon recipe comes together in under 20 minutes — with almost no cleanup.
One of the best parts about sheet pan salmon is that it’s super flexible. You can add other veggies like cherry tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, potatoes or even sweet potatoes.
Just keep in mind: whatever vegetables you choose should cook in about the same time as the salmon — that’s why asparagus is perfect.
Why You’ll Love Easy Sheet Pan Salmon
- Quick & Easy: A healthy dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Heart Healthy: Packed with omega-3s, fiber from the veggies, and fresh lemon flavor.
- One Pan, No Mess: Sheet pan recipes mean minimal cleanup.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Plus, it’s easily made low-carb depending on your sides.
Sheet Pan Salmon Ingredients
- Salmon: I like to buy fresh salmon from the meat counter. (Need help choosing salmon? I go into detail about how to choose & buy salmon here).
- Asparagus: Rinsed and trimmed
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a smooth and rich flavor. Oil also helps raise the surface temperature of the veggies to help them roast.
- Garlic: You will need 2-4 cloves, peeled. Measure garlic with your heart! Just kidding. I like 2 medium cloves here. If you want it extra garlicky, add up to 4.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon is a must for this recipe. It gives a bright and citrusy touch. Lime would also be nice. If you don’t have fresh lemon or lime, a splash of champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar would work in a pinch.
- Dill: Fresh dill gives the perfect addition to complement the lemon. If you don’t love dill, any fresh herbs you like work.
- Salt & Pepper
Optional flavor add-ins: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of paprika, or your favorite dried spice blend.
(Full details in the printable recipe card below)
Tip: If you love one-pan meals, don’t miss my Easy Sheet Pan Chicken—another healthy, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
How To Make Sheet Pan Salmon With Asparagus
- Preheat & Prepare: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Arrange: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Place the salmon filets in the center of the sheet pan and season with salt and pepper.
- Season the oil: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice from half the lemon. Slice the other half of the lemon into slices.
- Toss Veggies: Toss the asparagus with half of the olive oil mixture, then spread it evenly around the salmon.
- Season Salmon: Drizzle the remaining flavored oil over the salmon and spread it with a fork. Season the asparagus with salt and pepper. Top the salmon with lemon slices.
- Roast: Bake 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 145°F) and asparagus is tender-crisp. Sprinkle with chopped dill or fresh herbs just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Optional Sauce or Glaze: Drizzle a glaze over the salmon in the last 5 minutes of cooking or right before serving for an extra burst of flavor. I often skip this step, as the recipe is great on its own, but it’s an option.
Tips & Variations
- Salmon Selection: Choose even-sized fillets for consistent cooking. I prefer fresh fillets so I don’t have to remember to thaw them. If using frozen, thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before baking, and always pat salmon dry right before baking so it roasts instead of steams.
- Preparing Asparagus: Trim asparagus by snapping the woody ends where they naturally break.
- Potatoes: If you add potatoes or sweet potatoes, give them a 20-minute head start in the oven as they take longer to roast. See how I do that here.
- Sauce: I love adding this Easy Yogurt Sauce with Garlic & Lemon to this dish.
- Additions: Roasted tomatoes or broccoli are great additions to the asparagus.
- Pairings: Make it a complete meal with the addition of your favorite rice or pasta on the side. I suggest basmati or jasmine rice.
- Storage: Salmon and asparagus can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold.
Print
Description
This Easy Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus is full of flavor with garlic and lemon and paired with crisp asparagus. This one-pan meal is ready in less than 30 minutes, which makes it the perfect dinner for those busy weeknight meals.
Note: 1 pound (16 ounces) of salmon makes 4 small (4-ounce) or 2-3 medium servings. Adjust the amount of salmon accordingly.
Optional flavor add-ins: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of paprika, or your favorite dried spice blend.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then place them in the center of the sheet pan and season with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and juice from half a lemon. (Add other spices or dried herbs, if using.) Slice the other half into thin lemon slices and remove the seeds.
- Toss the asparagus with half of the olive oil mixture, then spread it evenly around the salmon on the pan.
- Drizzle the remaining oil mixture over the salmon, spreading with the back of a spoon. Season the asparagus with a little more salt and pepper, then top the salmon with lemon slices.
- Roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F) and the asparagus is tender-crisp. If your salmon is more than 1-inch thick, it may take up to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs and serve.
Optional: For an extra twist or flavor, consider adding a glaze. Whisk together 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a small bowl, then add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Drizzle this mixture over the salmon in the last 5 minutes of cooking. (Omit the dill and herbs.)
Storage: Refrigerate salmon and asparagus in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven, or enjoy the salmon cold over salad.
Notes
From Frozen Salmon: If you’re using frozen salmon fillets, be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Always pat salmon (and any fish) dry with paper towels before seasoning — this helps the oil and spices stick and ensures the fish roasts instead of steaming.
Potatoes: If you add potatoes or sweet potatoes, give them a 20-minute head start in the oven as they take longer to roast. If the potatoes are cut larger than 1 inch thick, raise the temperature by 25 degrees during the first roast.
Extra Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
- When making this sheet pan salmon recipe, be sure to start with even-sized salmon fillets so everything cooks at the same pace.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup, then season simply with a teaspoon salt, a few cracks of black pepper, and your favorite spice blend. If you don’t have fresh garlic, a pinch of garlic powder works too.
- Add any spices you’d like to the olive oil, such as paprika, oregano, or your favorite dried herb or blend.
- For extra flavor, whisk a quick glaze in a small bowl with sesame oil, a little brown sugar, and a splash of soy sauce (or the glaze from my other favorite salmon recipe here)— then drizzle it over the salmon during the last few minutes of baking.
With just a few simple ingredients and a couple of teaspoons of seasoning, you’ll have a flavorful, no-fuss sheet pan salmon dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Each salmon filet (6 ounces) packs about 34 grams of protein and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Adding asparagus (or other vegetables) boosts fiber and micronutrients, making this a balanced, satisfying meal.
- Calories: Mostly from healthy fats in the salmon and olive oil
- Protein: 34g per six-ounce filet
- Fiber: From asparagus and veggies
- Carbohydrates: Minimal unless paired with rice or potatoes
- Sodium & Saturated Fat: Easy to control by choosing olive oil over butter and limiting soy sauce
Pro Tip: Always pair salmon with vegetables that roast quickly (like asparagus or cherry tomatoes). If you want to use denser vegetables like potatoes or Brussels sprouts, give them a head start in the oven before adding salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you bake sheet pan salmon?
At 400°F, salmon takes about 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Can I use frozen salmon filets?
Yes, but thaw them completely first for even cooking.
What vegetables go best with sheet pan salmon?
Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, and red onion are excellent choices.
Can I make sheet pan salmon without asparagus?
Absolutely — just be sure your vegetables roast in the same time frame.
What sauces pair well with salmon?
Try garlic butter, lemon-dill, Dijon mustard glaze, or an Asian-style soy-ginger sauce.
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