Simple Salmon and Asparagus

This is a delicious and simple meal that we love in this house. So many things you can do with it or serve with it to make it a totally different meal. Check out the end of the post for variations I've done before!

Whole Side of Salmon or large salmon filet

2 whole lemons, sliced thin

1 tsp salt

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne

Zest of 1 lemon

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 lb asparagus, ends trimmed

1 Tbsp olive oil

4 large garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon, zest and juice

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 400 F. Toss asparagus in olive oil, lemon, seasonings, and garlic. Add 2 Tbsp butter, cut in small chunks, on top and cover with foil. Bake for 15-35 minutes depending on how you like your asparagus (we like super floppy veggies so 35 min is where we go).

Place slices of lemon down on the bottom of a cookie sheet to cover the area for the salmon. Brush one side of the salmon with olive oil and place that side on top of the lemons (with skin-on salmon I recommend skin side up to make it crispier). Brush the other side of the salmon with the rest of the olive oil and top with seasoning blend and lemon zest. Bake at 400 F for about 15 minutes.

This can be served with a side of rice pilaf (or just white rice) or make it fancy and pair with some risotto. Honestly this recipe is so easy and delicious; it's great for a weeknight meal!

What to try next:

1. For Cajun version replace Italian seasoning with oregano (preferably Mexican) and add 2-3 tsp Cajun seasoning. If your Cajun seasoning of choice has salt in it you may need to remove some salt out of the original recipe. Also consider adding a Ritz cracker topping (1 sleeve crushed Ritz crackers, 3 Tbsp butter, 1 tsp smoked paprika) to this!

2. I've also done an Asian version of this that came out delicious. Marinate your salmon in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup oil (canola or canola/sesame blend), juice of 2 limes, 1/2 tsp powdered ginger, and 4 minced cloves garlic for 1-3 hours prior to cooking. Can also add 2 Tbsp of sriracha here if desired. Line baking sheet with limes instead of lemons. Top salmon at the end with chopped scallions.