Name: Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 fillet salmon per person; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed; 1 lemon, sliced and juiced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

When you need a dinner that feels fancy but takes minimal effort, this baked salmon in foil delivers every time. It’s tender, flaky, infused with zesty lemon, and nestled over crisp-tender asparagus. All that goodness gets wrapped up in a foil packet with a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that turns into a steamy, flavor-packed bath as it bakes.

The beauty of this recipe is in the simplicity. It cooks entirely in foil, which means easy prep, no mess, and virtually no cleanup. Plus, the combination of juicy salmon, fresh asparagus, and buttery lemon sauce just feels like a treat at the end of a long day. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a crowd, this is one of those meals that makes you look like you tried a lot harder than you actually did.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon in Foil

This dish is equal parts elegant and effortless. The foil packet locks in moisture, so the salmon turns out perfectly every time, never dry. Asparagus bakes alongside the fish, soaking up that lemony garlic butter without getting soggy. It’s quick enough for weeknights but beautiful enough for company. And yes, cleanup is a breeze.

Can I Use Other Vegetables Besides Asparagus?

Absolutely. While asparagus adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich butter sauce, you can easily swap it with broccolini, green beans, or even thin zucchini slices. Just make sure whatever you use cooks quickly or is sliced thinly so everything is ready at the same time.

Ingredients for the Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This recipe keeps it simple, letting each ingredient shine. Freshness is key here, especially with the salmon and lemon.

Salmon fillets
Asparagus
Lemon
Garlic cloves
Butter
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional)

The salmon is the star of the show, so choose good-quality fillets. Asparagus adds texture and color, while lemon and garlic flavor the butter into a bright, bold sauce. Olive oil helps everything brown just a bit. Salt and pepper keep it balanced, and parsley is the final touch if you like a bit of green at the end.

How To Make the Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Foil

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut large rectangles of foil for each salmon fillet and lay them flat on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Arrange the Asparagus and Salmon

Place a handful of asparagus spears in the center of each foil piece. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Lay a salmon fillet over the asparagus.

Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce

In a small saucepan or bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, juice of half a lemon, and a dash of olive oil. Spoon this mixture generously over each salmon piece. Add a lemon slice on top of each fillet for extra brightness.

Step 4: Fold and Seal the Packets

Bring the edges of the foil up and over the salmon, sealing the top and sides to create a closed packet. Don’t wrap it too tight—leave a little space inside for steam to circulate.

Step 5: Bake

Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.

Step 6: Serve

Carefully open the foil packets (watch for steam!) and transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates. Spoon any sauce left in the foil over the top and garnish with parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus

This dish is best served immediately while the salmon is juicy and hot, and the asparagus is still crisp-tender. It feeds 2 to 4 people depending on fillet size and appetite.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave just until warmed through.

What to Serve With Baked Salmon in Foil?

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and smooth mashed potatoes soak up every drop of the lemon garlic butter.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Nutty rice with herbs adds texture and works beautifully with the citrusy salmon.

Crusty Bread

Something warm and rustic to mop up the sauce is always a good idea.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and slightly tangy, they add color and another layer of flavor.

Mixed Green Salad

A simple salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the butter.

Herbed Couscous

Fluffy and light, couscous takes on the flavor of anything around it—perfect match for that sauce.

Creamy Polenta

This adds an indulgent, creamy base that turns it into serious comfort food.

Want More Salmon Dinner Ideas?

If this baked salmon has you hooked, check out a few other favorites to keep seafood nights exciting:

Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce
Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon
Irresistible Grilled Salmon with the Best Salmon Seasoning
Zucchini Lasagna Recipe if you’re looking to stay on the lighter side.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try another veggie? Maybe a drizzle of honey or chili flakes on top?

I love seeing how these recipes take on new life in other kitchens. Drop your tips or tweaks below and let’s swap ideas!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover more simple, feel-good meals for every night of the week.

Conclusion

Baked salmon in foil with asparagus and lemon garlic butter sauce is the kind of recipe that makes you fall back in love with weeknight cooking. It’s fast, nourishing, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it leaves you with almost no dishes. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this one’s a keeper.