If you’re looking for a light, healthy, and incredibly tasty recipe that doesn’t require heavy dressings, you’re in the right place!

Our baked salmon with crispy asparagus is the perfect answer for those seeking a fit dish, rich in natural flavor and extremely simple to prepare.

Ideal for a quick but nutritious dinner or a light lunch that doesn’t sacrifice the pleasure of good food, this preparation enhances the delicacy of baked salmon and the pleasant crunchiness of asparagus.

Forget long preparations and unnecessary dressings: with a few ingredients and a simple pass in the oven, you’ll bring to the table a dish without added dressings that will conquer your palate and your figure.

Learn how to make this light and beneficial second course, perfect for those following a balanced diet or simply love eating healthily without sacrificing taste.

Get ready for an explosion of natural flavor with our easy and quick baked salmon and asparagus recipe!

Difficulty: Very Easy
Cost: Economical
Rest time: 5 Minutes
Preparation time: 15 Minutes
Portions: 2
Cooking methods: Oven, Electric Oven, Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian
Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Fall, Spring, Summer

Ingredients

Discover the fresh and high-quality ingredients needed to prepare our delicious baked salmon with crispy asparagus. An essential list of simple and easily accessible ingredients, designed to enhance the natural flavor of fish and vegetables, ensuring a light, tasty dish without added dressings. Perfect for those looking for a healthy and easy-to-make recipe.

4 steaks swordfish
2.2 lbs asparagus
2 lemons (Edible peel)
A few teaspoons herbs (To taste)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper

Tools

Discover the essential tools needed to easily and quickly prepare our baked salmon with crispy asparagus. A practical list of kitchen utensils that will guide you step by step to perfect cooking and a light and tasty result, just like in the photo. From essential baking accessories to tools for preparing the ingredients, here’s everything you need to bring this healthy and dressing-free dish to the table.

1 Cutting Board Bafumiu
1 Knife Wanbasion
1 Baking Dish Pyrex

Steps

Discover the simplicity and speed with which you can prepare a delicious baked salmon with crispy asparagus. Follow our clear and detailed step-by-step guide to achieve a light, tasty, and perfectly cooked dish. Learn all the secrets to enhancing the natural flavor of the ingredients, with or without the addition of a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and bring to the table a healthy second course that will win everyone over. Don’t miss any detail for a guaranteed result!

Cleaning and Cutting Asparagus: Optimal Preparation for Even Cooking.
Start preparing the asparagus by washing them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any soil or impurities.
Place the asparagus on a cutting board and locate the toughest and most fibrous part of the stalk: it usually snaps easily when gently bent with your hands.
Remove this woody part. If the asparagus is particularly thick, you can lightly peel the bottom part of the stalk with a vegetable peeler to ensure more even cooking.
If you prefer, cut the asparagus into pieces about 1-1.5 inches long, keeping the tips whole to preserve their delicacy and appearance.
This size will allow the asparagus to cook evenly in the oven without getting too burnt.
Salmon Seasoning and Baking Dish Preparation: A Touch of Natural Flavor.
Take the fresh herbs (mint, thyme, rosemary, parsley) and finely chop them with a sharp knife.
This fine cut is essential for releasing the essential oils and intensely flavoring the salmon.
Prepare a large baking dish and line it with parchment paper to prevent the salmon and asparagus from sticking and to facilitate cleaning.
Arrange the asparagus pieces in an even layer on the baking dish. Take the salmon steaks: the central part of the fillet is ideal because it has a more uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking.
Gently pat the steaks with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Generously rub each salmon steak on all sides with the chopped herbs, pressing slightly to adhere well to the surface.
Gently place the salmon steaks over the asparagus in the baking dish, spacing them slightly to allow for even cooking.
Final Seasoning: Enhancing Flavors with Citrus and a Drizzle of Oil.
Take the organic lemon (make sure it’s edible and well washed). Finely grate the zest of half a lemon directly over the salmon and asparagus, being careful not to grate the bitter white part (albedo).
Then cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from both halves evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
Season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Finally, generously drizzle the salmon and asparagus with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
The oil will contribute to more even cooking, add flavor, and help maintain the juiciness of the salmon and the slight crunchiness of the asparagus.
Oven Cooking: A Tender and Tasty Result.
Preheat the oven in static mode to 392°F (200°C) for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure it has reached the correct temperature.
Bake the tray with salmon and asparagus in the preheated oven for about 25-35 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon steaks and the power of your oven.
The salmon will be ready when its flesh appears opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
The asparagus should be tender yet still slightly crispy.
Preparation of Mint Yogurt Sauce (During Cooking):
A Fresh and Light Accompaniment. While the salmon cooks in the oven, prepare the side sauce.
In a bowl, mix the whole Greek yogurt with the finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients.
If you desire a smoother consistency, you can add a tablespoon of cold water or lemon juice.
Finally, add white and black sesame seeds for a crunchy and decorative touch.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary.
Store the sauce in the refrigerator until serving.
Serving and Tasting: A Balanced and Flavorful Dish.
Once the salmon is cooked and the asparagus is tender and slightly golden, remove the tray from the oven. Place the asparagus on individual plates, creating a green and fresh base.
Gently place a salmon steak on top of the asparagus on each plate. Serve immediately, accompanying each portion with a generous spoonful of mint yogurt sauce on the side or over the salmon.
This dish is perfect to be enjoyed hot, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients and the simplicity of the preparation.
Enjoy your meal!

Store, Customize, and Perfect: All the Secrets for Your Baked Salmon with Asparagus

STORAGE, TIPS, VARIATIONS, NOTES:

Storage:

Keep the Freshness and Flavor of Your Salmon and Asparagus

If there is leftover baked salmon with asparagus, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Consume it preferably by the next day to best appreciate its freshness and texture. Cooked salmon stores well, but baked asparagus may lose some of their crispiness once cooled.

It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as it may alter the texture of both salmon and asparagus.

The mint yogurt sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Chef’s Tips:

Tricks and Tips for Perfect Salmon and Asparagus

Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality salmon steaks for optimal flavor. The smell should be fresh and not “fishy”. Choose firm and seasonal asparagus for better texture and more intense flavor.

Even Cooking: For even cooking of the salmon, choose steaks of similar thickness. If using steaks with skin, slightly score the skin with a knife to prevent it from curling too much during cooking.

Do Not Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is cooked when its internal temperature reaches about 145°F (63°C) and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.

Overcooking will make it dry and tough.

Asparagus Crispiness: If you prefer crunchier asparagus, slightly reduce the oven cooking time.

Flavoring: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, lemon thyme, or tarragon to vary the flavor profile of your dish.

Organic Lemon: Using an organic lemon is recommended so you can safely use the zest.

Delicious Variations: Customize Your Salmon and Asparagus Recipe

Salmon Marinade: For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the salmon steaks for about 30 minutes before cooking with a drizzle of oil, lemon juice, herbs, and freshly ground pepper.

Other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the tray along with the asparagus, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or zucchini rounds.

Adjust the cooking time of the vegetables based on their texture.

Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, you can replace Greek yogurt with natural soy or coconut yogurt for the mint sauce.

Extra Crunchy Touch: At the end of baking, you can add a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers or pine nuts for an additional crunchy touch.

Various Notes: Useful Information for Optimal Results

Cooking Times: The indicated cooking times are approximate and may vary based on the size of the ingredients and the characteristics of your oven. Always carefully check the cooking.

Preparation in Advance: You can clean and cut the asparagus in advance and store them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag.

The yogurt sauce can also be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Value: Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Asparagus is rich in vitamins and fiber.

This is a naturally light and healthy recipe.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Salmon with Asparagus: Useful Answers for a Perfect Recipe

Can I use salmon fillets instead of steaks for this baked salmon with asparagus recipe?
Absolutely yes! You can replace salmon steaks with fillets. Keep in mind that fillets might cook slightly faster, so check the cooking after about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness. The result will still be a delicious baked salmon with asparagus.
What is the best way to make asparagus crispy in baked salmon with asparagus?
To achieve crispy asparagus in your baked salmon, make sure not to overlap them in the baking dish and do not overcook them. A 400°F (200°C) oven temperature for about 20-25 minutes (depending on thickness) should be sufficient. If you prefer them even crispier, you can slightly reduce the cooking time.
Can I prepare the baked salmon with asparagus in advance?
It is advisable to enjoy the baked salmon with asparagus freshly prepared to best appreciate its freshness and the crispy texture of the asparagus. However, you can prepare the yogurt sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If there are any leftover cooked salmon and asparagus, store them separately in the refrigerator and consume them by the next day.
Are there variations for seasoning the baked salmon and asparagus other than lemon and herbs?
Certainly! You can experiment with different variations to season your baked salmon with asparagus. For example, you can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end of cooking, a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a more intense flavor, or marinate the salmon with soy sauce and ginger for an oriental touch.
How can I ensure my baked salmon remains juicy and doesn’t dry out?
To prevent the baked salmon from becoming dry, it’s important not to overcook it. Check the cooking after about 15-20 minutes and remove it from the oven as soon as the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before cooking also helps keep it moist. These questions and answers aim to cover the most common user doubts, using relevant keywords and providing useful and practical information.