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Perfect Herb Roasted Salmon Recipe with Easy Hollandaise Sauce and Asparagus

herb roasted salmon - featured image

A simple and elegant herb roasted salmon paired with roasted asparagus and a quick, creamy hollandaise sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on for crispiness
  • Fresh dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon)
  • Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
  • Unsalted butter, softened (3 tablespoons)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Lemon zest from one lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh asparagus spears (1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Egg yolks (3 large, room temperature)
  • Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons), melted and warm
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt and cayenne pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped dill, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Mix well until evenly combined.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the baking sheet. Spread the herb butter generously over each fillet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss the trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the baking sheet next to the salmon, making sure they’re in a single layer for even roasting.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium doneness. The asparagus should be tender but still crisp.
  6. While the salmon roasts, prepare the hollandaise sauce: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until the mixture is light and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Gently heat the melted butter until warm but not hot. Slowly drizzle the butter into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  8. Stir in salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it up.
  9. Plate the roasted salmon fillets with the asparagus and generously spoon the hollandaise sauce over the top. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Use wild-caught salmon for better flavor. For dairy-free hollandaise, substitute avocado blended with lemon and salt. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking salmon. If hollandaise sauce splits, whisk in a teaspoon of cold water to bring it back.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb roasted salmon, hollandaise sauce, roasted asparagus, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, healthy salmon, weeknight dinner