Description
This Lemon Butter Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes is a quick, one-pan dish featuring tender salmon fillets paired with vibrant veggies, all coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Zest the lemon using a microplane, then juice it, ensuring to catch any seeds.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter without letting it brown.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the melted butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest into the butter mixture and let it simmer for another minute. Remove from heat.
- Wash and trim the asparagus, cutting off tough ends. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Toss the asparagus and cherry tomatoes in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place the salmon fillets in the center and arrange the asparagus and cherry tomatoes around them.
- Pour half of the lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and the vegetables are tender.
- After 12 minutes, check the salmon. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates and add the roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes.
- Spoon the remaining lemon butter sauce over the salmon and vegetables.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choosing Salmon: Opt for bright-colored, fresh-smelling salmon fillets. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute asparagus and cherry tomatoes with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes