Baked Salmon and Asparagus with Herb Sauce

This Salmon and Asparagus recipe is the perfect spring dish featuring fresh herbs! Made with a lightened up sauce and featuring allergy-friendly dairy alternatives, this meal is loaded with healthy fats, tons of nutrients, and flavors you will love!

Nothing says spring like fresh ingredients and seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, chard, and so much more! To kick off the season, what better way than with this delicious baked salmon with herb sauce? It’s the perfect recipe for easy dinners or quick meal prep. It reheats without getting soggy and keeps you full and satisfied for hours. You’ll definitely want to add it to your make-ahead list. If you’re looking for even more fantastic springtime recipes don’t’ miss out on this Cajun Smoked Salmon Zucchini Noodles Salad, Oven Roasted Potatoes with Leeks, or these Spring Salad Open Face Sandwiches!

Why You Should Eat Salmon and Asparagus

Did you know that the FDA recommends that the average adult eats 2-3 servings of fish per week to maintain a healthy diet? It’s true! Fish is full of tons of vitamins and minerals including Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Zinc, and so much more. Salmon in particular is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Selenium, B vitamins, and protein. As a result, it can help fight inflammation in the body, improve brain function, and aid in weight control, and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

As if the positive effects of salmon weren’t enough reason to make this recipe, asparagus is also extremely healthy and super affordable in the spring and summer months! Not only is it low in calories, it’s also super full of fiber and antioxidants. In fact, just one serving of ½ a cup of asparagus will give you 57 percent of the RDI (recommended daily intake) for vitamin K and 34 percent of the RDI for folate. 

So, when you learn how to cook salmon with asparagus, not only are you making an irresistible meal, you’re also fueling your body with all the good things it needs to stay healthy. That’s a win in my book!

What’s in the Sauce?

The sauce for this salmon and asparagus recipe is a zesty combination of garlic and herbs! It adds tons of seasoning without leaving you feeling sluggish from consuming loads of butter. Instead, this sauce features fresh parsley, dried dill, garlic cloves, and capers that pair amazingly well with oil, cream, and honey. Can’t find capers? Lactose intolerant? No worries! 

The capers are totally optional (but highly recommended) to give the sauce that extra touch of tanginess. However, if you want to omit them, just use an extra teaspoon of lemon juice and cream instead. 

For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy cream and omit the Parmesan altogether. The Parmesan added on top does help create a sort of crust for the salmon. So, the texture will be slightly altered, but it’s totally not necessary. The dish is super tasty either way! Or, if you would rather just find a different sauce, try making your salmon filets with my red pepper sauce instead. 

How to Prevent Overcooked Salmon

The secret of how to cook asparagus with salmon while also preventing overcooked, dry fish is truly in the sauce of this recipe. The liquid from the oil and cream not only makes this meal taste great, it also locks in moisture while the fish bakes. This means that you can easily cook your salmon and asparagus at the same time without running the risk of burning either one. Hello, easy meal prep!

Serving Suggestions

In all honesty, this salmon and asparagus is a complete meal in itself, but if you’re looking to spruce it up there are tons of easy options! For example, you could also add a starchy side dish such as roasted potatoes, rice, or even couscous. If you wanted to get a bit fancier you could serve this recipe over noodles of your choice. Zucchini noodles are super popular these days! Or, you can never go wrong with a simple side salad. Really, there’s nothing that doesn’t pair well with this meal.

Common Questions About Cooking Salmon

You’ve got to love a meal that’s chock full of nutrients, simple to prepare, and makes delicious leftovers, right?

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Let me know if you choose to make this recipe and if you prefer the herb sauce or the Mediterranean aioli on top!

Cheers,

LC