Imagine a dish that transforms your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience - a perfect harmony of succulent salmon, crisp asparagus, and vibrant cherry tomato salsa that promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and bold flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Trim the asparagus by cutting off the tough woody ends, ensuring they are uniform in length.
- Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside in a small mixing bowl.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the asparagus, then season with salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and half of the fresh lemon juice.
- Place the salmon fillets on the same baking sheet alongside the asparagus, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the cherry tomato salsa by mixing the halved tomatoes with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon and asparagus from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Plate the salmon and asparagus, then generously top with the fresh cherry tomato salsa.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always pat your salmon fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Choose fresh, bright green asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check salmon's internal temperature - 145°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked fish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to your cherry tomato salsa.
- Allow the salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help retain its moisture and tenderness.
- If possible, use fresh, in-season cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant and flavorful salsa.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 321kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
