Craving a nutritious meal that comes together effortlessly? This Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Dill is a perfect healthy clean eating recipe, offering fresh flavors and minimal cleanup. You’ll love how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon Fillets: Use fresh or thawed frozen salmon. You can substitute with other firm white fish like cod or halibut.
- Fresh Asparagus: Choose bright green, firm spears. Broccoli florets or green beans make good alternatives.
- Fresh Dill: Essential for flavor; dried dill can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Lemon: Adds brightness. Lime can also work.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Spices & Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This is a crucial step for healthy clean eating recipes.
2. Season the Asparagus
On the prepared baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus spears with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer.
3. Season the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them on the baking sheet alongside the asparagus. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the salmon.
4. Add Spices and Dill
Season the salmon fillets with garlic powder, the remaining salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the fresh chopped dill generously over both the salmon and asparagus. Arrange lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender-crisp. Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon. Enjoy this easy healthy clean eating recipe!
Variation Ideas
- Herb Swap: Try fresh parsley or chives instead of dill.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
- Citrus Twist: Use orange slices instead of lemon for a sweeter flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Dill in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until just warmed through to prevent drying out the salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you use frozen salmon for this healthy clean eating recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before preparing.
Q: How do you know when salmon is cooked through?
A: Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Q: Is it okay to use dried dill instead of fresh?
A: While fresh dill provides the best flavor, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill.
Q: Can you make this dish ahead of time?
A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prep the ingredients, like chopping dill and trimming asparagus, ahead of time.
Q: What if you don’t have parchment paper?
A: You can lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil, but parchment paper makes cleanup much easier.
Q: How can you ensure the asparagus cooks evenly?
A: Make sure to spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding.