Foil Baked Salmon with Asparagus

There’s nothing better than a healthy meal you can make from scratch with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time. That’s why I absolutely love this Foil Baked Salmon with Asparagus recipe.

Although we normally make this recipe in the spring when asparagus is at its peak, it is delicious year-round and can be made in the oven or out on the grill.

Plus it is super versatile. Although we included asparagus in the recipe, you can easily use whatever vegetables you have in your produce drawer. Zucchini, summer squash, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower all taste great with salmon. 

If you love salmon as much as we do,  don't miss this Brown Sugar Salmon, Teriyaki Salmon, and Honey Garlic Broiled Salmon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Foil-Baked Salmon

Here are just a few reasons why we think you’ll love this recipe.

• No Dishes To Clean Up: Since the salmon and asparagus cook in the foil there are fewer dishes to clean up.
• Healthy: Cooking this salmon on the grill or in the oven is a healthy way to prepare salmon. It doesn't need lots of added ingredients. 
• No added sugar or oils: This foil-baked recipe uses clean ingredients without any added sugar or oil.
• 5 Ingredients: Just 5 ingredients and you’ve got a nutrient-dense tasty meal.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here’s all you need to make up this foil-baked salmon.

• Salmon: We prefer wild salmon but any kind of salmon works. Farm-raised salmon works great in this recipe but may need a little extra cooking time.
• Lemons: Fresh lemons add a bright flavor to the salmon and asparagus.
• Butter: We used butter but olive oil or ghee would also work. Butter adds some richness, which is really nice especially with wild salmon since it is leaner.
• Dill: Fresh dill adds a nice flavor but dried will also work. Feel free to swap in any fresh or dried herbs or spices.
• Asparagus: Asparagus pairs nicely with salmon but you could also use green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, or another vegetable.

How To Make Salmon With Asparagus

Just a few simple steps to make this simple dish.

1. Preheat the oven: Turn on the oven to 400 degrees or get your grill going over medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the aluminum foil: Tear off 4 pieces of foil large enough to hold salmon and asparagus. Make sure the foil squares are large enough for the salmon so that you can create a packet for each filet. Spray it with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
3. Fill the aluminum foil: Distribute the asparagus evenly between the sheets of foil and place a piece of salmon on top of each pile.
4. Season: Sprinkle each packet with salt and pepper and place the butter, lemon slices, and dill sprigs on top and seal the packets.
5. Cook: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or place them on the grill and cook accordingly.

Why You Should Be Eating More Salmon

Salmon has so many amazing health benefits we think you should be adding it to your recipe repertoire more often.

No matter what kind of diet you are following or just want to start eating better, salmon is a great food to have on hand. This salmon recipe is loaded with nutrients, which is why it is on repeat in my kitchen.

• High in protein and low in calories: Compared to other fatty fish and meats salmon really packs a punch from a protein perspective and is lower in calories.
• Nutrient-rich: Salmon contains an abundance of vitamins and nutrients. Loaded with healthy fats like omega 3s which help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health, salmon is also rich in antioxidants and b vitamins, which help balance and strengthen your immune system.

What Goes Well With Salmon And Asparagus

While salmon and asparagus are pretty good on their own we like to add the following to make it a complete meal.

• Salad: Add this Grilled Vegetable Salad, Beet Salad With Goat Cheese, or this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.
• Fries: Serve something crispy on the side like Polenta Fries, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, or these Baked Skinny Fries.
• Rice: Add whole grains like this Healthy Fried Rice, Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, or this Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice.
• Potatoes: Salmon pairs so well with something simple like a baked sweet potato or regular potato. Or make some grilled red potatoes if you are cooking outdoors. 
• Vegetables: Make some roasted cabbage or green beans if you are cooking indoors. Or try grilled cauliflower or vegetable skewers on the grill.

How To Store Leftover Salmon

Whenever I make easy meals like this, I always cook extra protein for quick and easy lunches.  

• Refrigerator: Leftover salmon will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: Salmon will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Reheat thawed salmon in the oven or in the microwave.

Recipe Ideas Variations

While we love the combination of salmon and asparagus here are a few other ways to make this baked fish dish.

• Change the protein: If you can’t find salmon you can use halibut, cod, chicken breast, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. 
• Switch the vegetable: Instead of asparagus, you can add broccoli spears, green beans or snap peas to the foil packet. Cherry tomatoes, red onions, zucchini, or olives will also work well.
• Modify the seasoning: Change up the dill for parsley, cilantro, or oregano. Lime, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning are also options.
• Throw in some garlic: Sprinkle fresh chopped garlic for the ultimate punch of flavor.
• Add cheese: Grate some fresh parmesan or crumble some feta into the foil packets when they come out of the oven.
• Up the spice: For those who like spicier foods, drizzle some sriracha or sprinkle with red chili flakes.

Tips for the Best Salmon

Here are a few things you can do to ensure your baked salmon with asparagus turns out well every time.

• Choose good quality fish: Organic or wild salmon are good choices and since salmon really is the hero here make sure to get fresh, good-quality salmon.
• Pack the foil packets tightly: Tightly packed foil will allow the fish and vegetables to steam nicely.
• Ensure consistent sizing: Try to buy fish that is the same thickness so each packet will cook up at the same pace.
• Distribute the seasonings: Make sure to cover the entire piece of fish with the seasonings you choose to add.