Name: Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Salmon Fillets (about 6-8 oz each) (Go for wild-caught if you can.); 4 tbsp Olive Oil (For roasting and marinating.); 1 tbsp Dill (chopped) (Pairs well with salmon.); 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped) (Adds freshness.); 1/2 tsp Thyme (dried) (Earthy flavor.); 4 cloves Garlic (minced) (Hero of the marinade.); to taste Salt (Season to taste.); to taste Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (Season to taste.); 2 pieces Yukon Gold Potatoes (medium, cut into bite-sized pieces) (Crisp up beautifully.); 1 bunch Asparagus (trimmed) (Cooks quickly.); 1/4 cup Basil Leaves (fresh) (For the pesto cream.); 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (for pesto) (Nutty flavor boost.); 2 tbsp Heavy Cream (for pesto) (Adds creaminess.); 1 tbsp Butter (For the Alfredo sauce.); 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (for Alfredo) (For a richer sauce.); 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (for Alfredo) (To enhance flavor.)

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A Cozy Night In with Garlic Herb Salmon, Asparagus & Potatoes

Some of my favorite meals are born from those rare, unhurried evenings at home—when the golden sunlight spills through the kitchen window, and the world feels just a touch quieter. On nights like these, my go-to comfort dish is always Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes. There’s just something magical about the aroma of fresh herbs and garlic mingling in the oven, or the sound of a hot skillet as the salmon sizzles to perfection. Honestly, this dish has turned even my most chaotic days into something special, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Why You’ll Adore This Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes

Let me tell you why this salmon recipe is always a winner in my house—no matter the day or season:

Flavor Explosion: The garlic herb butter, infused with dill, parsley, and thyme, transforms simple salmon fillets into something restaurant-worthy. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Effortless, Yet Elegant: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or trying to impress dinner guests, Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes feels fancy, but it’s secretly so simple. (Seriously, it’s weeknight-friendly!)
Wholesome One-Pan Wonder: Roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and asparagus cook together in the oven, picking up all those savory herb flavors for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Versatile Drizzles: Top it all off with a rich basil pesto cream (or a light Alfredo sauce if you’re feeling indulgent) for a restaurant-style touch that truly takes it to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few of my favorite ingredient insights:

Salmon Fillets (2, about 6-8 oz each): Go for wild-caught if you can—it’s firm, flaky, and holds up beautifully.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp + 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp): A must for both roasting and marinating. Use good extra-virgin for best flavor.
Fresh Herbs:
- Dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Bright and slightly sweet—pairs so well with salmon.
- Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a clean, grassy freshness.
- Thyme (1/2 tsp, dried): Earthy and a touch peppery.
Garlic (several cloves, minced): The hero of both the marinade and veggie roast.
Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Season to taste for everything.
Yukon Gold Potatoes (2, medium): Cut into bite-sized pieces—they crisp up beautifully.
Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed): Looks impressive and cooks fast.
Basil Leaves (1/4 cup, fresh): For the pesto cream—so fragrant!
Parmesan Cheese (2 tbsp for pesto, 1/4 cup for light Alfredo): The nutty, salty boost every creamy sauce craves.
Heavy Cream (2 tbsp for pesto, 1/2 cup for Alfredo): Adds that luscious, silky finish.
Butter (1 tbsp): Richness for the Alfredo sauce.

If you want to skip the pesto cream and keep things lighter, the Alfredo drizzle is a lovely plan B. (Or go wild—use both!)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes

Let’s cook this together—here’s how I do it every time:

Prep the Veggies
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss your chopped Yukon Gold potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, a minced clove of garlic (absolutely optional, but oh-so-good), salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet—you want lots of room for the potatoes to crisp. Roast for 15 minutes.
Add Asparagus
While the potatoes get a head start, toss the asparagus with another tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. After those 15 minutes, add the asparagus right onto the pan with the potatoes. Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes more, until potatoes are golden and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
Marinate and Cook the Salmon
While the veggies roast, mix up the herb rub: 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, dill, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub generously over both salmon fillets. Lay the salmon on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes (they should flake easily). If you’re a crispy-skin fan, sear them skin-side down in a hot, oiled skillet for 5–7 minutes before flipping and finishing in the oven.
Prepare the Basil Pesto Cream Drizzle
Blend fresh basil leaves, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil until smooth and vibrant. Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and taste for deliciousness.
(Optional) Whip Up a Light Alfredo Sauce
Melt butter over low heat, then add a clove of minced garlic. Once fragrant, pour in half a cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until smooth, and season to taste.
Assemble for the Win
Plate up the roasted potatoes and asparagus, top with garlic herb salmon, then drizzle everything with pesto cream sauce (and/or Alfredo, you do you!). Serve immediately while everything’s warm and inviting.

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Garlic Herb Salmon Success

After many test runs (and a few comical kitchen mishaps), here’s what I’ve learned:

Buy Salmon with the Skin On: The skin locks in moisture and gets irresistibly crispy (salmon dinner hack!).
Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: They really make the garlic herb rub sing—especially dill and parsley.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your potatoes space to get crispy. If your sheet pan is small, use two.
Taste Your Sauces: The pesto cream and Alfredo both come together quickly. Taste, and don’t be shy about adjusting lemon, salt, or extra garlic to make it yours.
Let the Salmon Rest: After cooking, let it rest for a minute before serving to keep it juicy.

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

I love that this garlic salmon dinner is endlessly adaptable. Some of my favorite tweaks:

Switch Out the Veggies: Try broccolini, green beans, or carrots when asparagus isn’t in season.
Try Different Potatoes: Red potatoes or fingerlings roast up beautifully. Sweet potatoes work too for a touch of sweetness!
Use Other Herbs: No dill? Swap in tarragon or chives for a fresh twist on your salmon fillet.
Non-Dairy Option: Sub coconut cream for the dairy in both drizzles, and leave out the Parmesan.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the garlic herb rub or into the pesto cream.

How to Serve and Store Your Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes

This recipe is lovely plated family-style or portioned individually with salmon fillets nested atop the veggies and smothered in sauce. I pair it with a crisp glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is a match made in heaven!).

Leftovers? (If you’re lucky!) Store any cooled extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salmon reheats best in a skillet over low heat, but it’s also delicious cold, flaked into salads the next day.

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes Answered

Can I make this garlic herb salmon ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the veggies and even marinate the salmon up to a day in advance. I recommend cooking just before serving for the best texture.

Do I need to remove the salmon skin before cooking?
Nope! In fact, the skin will help protect the fish from overcooking—and if you crisp it up, it’s delicious.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before applying the garlic herb rub.

What’s the best way to know when salmon is done?
When the salmon flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout, you’re good. An instant-read thermometer should read about 125–130°F in the center for perfectly moist fish.

How do I double this recipe for a crowd?
Just use a bigger baking sheet (or two). You can roast extra veggies simultaneously, and the sauces double beautifully.

Salmon dinners are my happy place—simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. If you try this Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes, let me know how it turns out, or share your own twist! Happy cooking, friends.