🍣 Oven Baked Herb Salmon with Garlic Potatoes & Roasted Asparagus
Light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced meal.
⏱ Time
-
Prep: 15 minutes
-
Cook: 30–35 minutes
-
Total: ~50 minutes
🍽 Serves
4 people
🧾 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
-
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or 1 tbsp lemon zest + juice)
-
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
-
1 tbsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Potatoes:
-
1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved (or cut into wedges)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp dried rosemary (or thyme)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Asparagus:
-
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Garlic Potatoes:
-
Toss the halved potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
-
Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
-
Roast for 20–25 minutes in the preheated oven, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
-
While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the salmon fillets.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (optional), oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
-
Place the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
-
Brush the salmon with the herb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
-
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
4. Prepare the Roasted Asparagus:
-
While the potatoes and salmon are cooking, prepare the asparagus.
-
Toss the trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest (optional), salt, and pepper.
-
Spread them out in a single layer on a separate baking sheet.
-
Roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Serve:
-
Once everything is done, plate the roasted potatoes, asparagus, and salmon fillets.
-
Garnish the salmon with fresh parsley or dill.
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Dish
-
For crispy potatoes: Make sure they’re in a single layer on the baking sheet and flip them halfway through. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
-
Salmon doneness: Check the salmon after 12 minutes — it should flake easily with a fork, but still be moist. If you like it slightly more done, leave it for 1–2 more minutes.
-
Asparagus: If your asparagus spears are thick, you might need to roast them for a few extra minutes.
❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use another fish besides salmon?
Yes! You can swap the salmon for other fish like trout, cod, or halibut. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them. White fish fillets usually cook a bit faster than salmon.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
-
Potatoes: You can cut and toss the potatoes in oil and seasoning up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to roast.
-
Salmon: You can marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours before baking.
-
Asparagus: You can toss the asparagus in olive oil and seasonings ahead of time, but it’s best roasted fresh.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any flour or gluten-containing products.
Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can leave it out, or swap it with whole grain mustard, honey mustard, or even a little bit of olive tapenade for a flavor boost.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just make sure to check the labels on your mustard or any other sauces you might be using.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re in a pinch. Cooking time may be slightly longer for frozen salmon.
Q: What should I serve with this meal?
-
A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette
-
A side of quinoa, rice, or couscous
-
A simple roasted vegetable medley
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
You can check by gently pulling the salmon apart with a fork. If it flakes easily and looks opaque in the center, it’s done. For the perfect texture, aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C).
Q: Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Absolutely! You can grill the salmon over medium heat for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Be sure to oil the grill grates and keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
