If you’re looking for a meal that’s light, flavorful, and totally mouthwatering, then look no further than this Lemon Pepper Salmon. The salmon is perfectly crisp on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and the zesty lemon pepper seasoning brings it all together with a bright burst of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat, yet it’s incredibly simple to whip up. And hey, if you’re feeling a little extra, why not pair it with some Garlic Parmesan Asparagus? It’s like the perfect sidekick to your main event, adding a creamy, savory bite that takes this meal over the top.
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Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s light enough for a quick weeknight dinner but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. Let’s dive into why this dish is a total winner.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Pepper Salmon
Versatile
Lemon pepper salmon is one of those recipes that works in so many different settings. Whether it’s a simple weeknight meal, a special occasion dinner, or part of a larger spread, this dish always feels like a celebration. Plus, the optional garlic parmesan asparagus? It’s an easy yet elegant side that elevates everything.
Quick and Easy
No need to stress in the kitchen. The salmon cooks up fast, and the seasoning is as simple as it gets. If you’re someone who’s not into long, complicated cooking, this recipe is totally for you. From start to finish, it’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Healthy and Light
Packed with omega-3s and lean protein, salmon is a great choice for a nutritious meal. Plus, you’ve got the added benefits of lemon, garlic, and asparagus for a well-rounded dish that leaves you feeling good.
Customizable
Want a little more zing? Add a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder flavor? Skip the garlic on the asparagus. This recipe allows you to make it exactly how you like it.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s simple but stunning—salmon always impresses, and the garlic parmesan asparagus? That’s the kind of side dish people ask for seconds of. This meal is perfect for family dinners or when you want to wow your guests.
Ingredients in Lemon Pepper Salmon (with Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus)
Here’s what makes this dish come together with minimal effort but maximum flavor:
Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen, salmon is the star of this dish. You’ll want skin-on fillets for that crispy finish.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The perfect balance of zesty lemon and aromatic black pepper. It really makes the salmon pop!
Olive Oil: For drizzling over the salmon and giving it that golden crisp.
Fresh Lemon: For squeezing over the salmon right before serving, adding that bright citrus flavor.
For the Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus:
Asparagus Spears: Tender-crisp asparagus adds the perfect veggie side to this dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves for that rich, savory flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan makes this side creamy and indulgent.
Butter: A bit of butter makes everything extra rich and golden.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get into how you’re going to make this crispy, savory masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures your salmon cooks evenly and gets that perfect crisp on the outside.
Season the Salmon
Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets and rub in the lemon pepper seasoning. Make sure the fillets are evenly coated. If you like your lemon flavor extra bold, squeeze some fresh lemon juice right on top.
Roast the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast in the oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want to overcook it.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Asparagus (Optional)
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven on a separate baking sheet for 10–12 minutes until tender.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine and Serve
Once the asparagus is roasted, pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the top and give it a good toss. Serve alongside the perfectly roasted salmon fillets.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate the salmon with the garlic parmesan asparagus on the side, and garnish with extra lemon slices if desired. Dig in and enjoy this fresh, flavorful meal!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Salmon
This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:
Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon beautifully.
Rice or Quinoa: For something more filling, serve it with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Add a medley of roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or brussels sprouts for more flavor and texture.
As a Standalone: If you’re in a rush, this dish is filling enough to enjoy as is, especially with the garlic parmesan asparagus!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the asparagus and seasoning for the salmon earlier in the day, making this even faster when it’s time to cook.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the salmon seasoning or drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.
Dietary Adjustments: Make it gluten-free by ensuring the Parmesan is gluten-free or skip the Parmesan on the asparagus for a lighter version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the salmon.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to make extra for meal prep!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use skinless salmon fillets?
A1: Yes, you can, but the skin really helps create that crispy texture. If you go skinless, just be careful not to overcook it.
Q2: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
A2: Absolutely! You can pan-sear the salmon in a hot skillet for about 4–5 minutes per side, then finish in the oven if needed.
Q3: Can I make the garlic parmesan asparagus ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can roast the asparagus ahead of time and make the garlic Parmesan sauce just before serving.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the salmon and asparagus in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A5: Yes, the salmon can be frozen, but the asparagus is best enjoyed fresh.
Q6: Can I use frozen salmon?
A6: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking for the best texture.
Q7: How do I reheat the salmon?
A7: Reheat the salmon in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep it tender and juicy.
Q8: What if I don’t have fresh asparagus?
A8: You can use frozen asparagus—just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
Q9: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A9: Definitely! Add red pepper flakes to the salmon seasoning or drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top for extra heat.
Q10: Can I serve this with a different veggie?
A10: Of course! Roasted broccoli, green beans, or even sautéed spinach would all pair wonderfully with the salmon.
Conclusion
Lemon Pepper Salmon is a total showstopper with minimal effort—flaky, crispy, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor. Paired with the optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus, you’ve got a meal that’s healthy, satisfying, and just a little indulgent. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress, this one’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So go ahead—treat yourself to this fresh, flavorful delight!
Print
Lemon Pepper Salmon (with Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Pepper Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish where salmon is seasoned with lemon, garlic, and pepper, then baked with a side of parmesan asparagus. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s both easy and delicious! #LemonPepperSalmon #EasySalmonRecipes #OnePanDinner #HealthyDinner #QuickMeal #BakedSalmon #GarlicAsparagus
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs salmon, skin on
- 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and freshly cracked black pepper (plus more for asparagus)
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 1/2 – 2 lbs asparagus (medium or thin spears), tough ends trimmed
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed 17×12-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon in the center of the pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper. Brush evenly over the salmon and top with lemon slices (optional).
- Toss the asparagus with the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, remaining 2 cloves garlic, and season with salt. Arrange the asparagus around the salmon in the baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, toss the asparagus, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
- Cut the salmon into portions and serve warm with the roasted asparagus.
Notes
- If the fillet is wide, cut it into 2-4 portions and place them near the upper portion of the baking dish, placing the asparagus on the lower portion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon portion with asparagus
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg