Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors, feels comforting, and is as vibrant as it is delicious, then Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Picture this: perfectly seared salmon with a fragrant blend of spices, crispy roasted potatoes with a garlicky herb twist, and tender asparagus topped with melty cheese. The combination of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

This meal is all about balance. The salmon is rich and flaky, the potatoes are golden and crispy, and the asparagus adds a burst of freshness. Trust me, every bite is a hit. Whether you’re preparing this for a special dinner or just a weeknight treat, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re eating something luxurious, yet it’s simple enough to make on a busy day.

Why You’ll Love Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes

Flavor Explosion

The salmon is seasoned with a perfect mix of spices that give it a flavorful, zesty kick. Paired with creamy, cheesy asparagus and garlic-infused potatoes, it’s a flavor combo that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in less than 45 minutes! With minimal prep and a simple cooking process, you’ll have a stunning meal ready to serve in no time.

One-Pan Wonder

Not only is the meal packed with flavor, but cleanup is a breeze too! You can cook everything on a single baking sheet, saving you time on both cooking and washing dishes.

Healthy and Wholesome

Loaded with healthy fats from the salmon, vitamins and minerals from the asparagus, and hearty carbs from the potatoes, this meal is balanced and satisfying. It’s comfort food with a nutritious twist!

Customizable

You can easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste. If you like a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the salmon. Want a milder flavor? Go easy on the spices or try using a different cheese for the asparagus.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes:

• Salmon Fillets: The main protein of this dish. Rich, flaky, and full of flavor.
• Asparagus: Tender and fresh, asparagus adds a nice crunch and a pop of green to the plate.
• Baby Potatoes: These little potatoes roast up perfectly, getting crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic to infuse the potatoes with a savory punch.
• Olive Oil: For drizzling and roasting the potatoes, asparagus, and salmon.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar to melt over the asparagus for a cheesy, gooey finish.
• Paprika: A key ingredient in the spice mix for the salmon, adding both flavor and color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a bit of heat to balance out the richness of the salmon.
• Lemon Zest: For a burst of citrusy freshness that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors.
• Dried Herbs: Oregano, thyme, and rosemary to season the potatoes and give them a fragrant, herby finish.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning everything to perfection.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure everything cooks evenly and gets that beautiful crispy finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Cut the baby potatoes in half (or quarters if they’re larger). Toss them in olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. These will be your base for the dish.

Step 3: Spice Up the Salmon

In a small bowl, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillets. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the same baking sheet, leaving room for the asparagus and potatoes.

Step 4: Prepare the Asparagus

Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and lay them alongside the salmon and potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and give them a quick toss to coat. This will help them roast to perfection.

Step 5: Roast It All

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast everything for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy, the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C), and the asparagus is tender.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

After 25 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the asparagus. Pop the sheet back into the oven for another 5 minutes or so, just until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the sheet from the oven. Serve the spiced salmon with a side of cheesy asparagus and roasted garlic herb potatoes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus is the perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 29g
Vitamin D: 9mcg
Calcium: 190mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 1,100mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes

This meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can always elevate it with a few simple sides:

• With a Fresh Salad: Pair this dish with a light, crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the salmon and cheese.
• With Rice or Quinoa: If you need some extra carbs, serve with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the flavors from the roasted vegetables.
• With a Tangy Sauce: A drizzle of tangy tzatziki sauce or a lemon-dill sauce would be a refreshing complement to the savory flavors of this dish.

Additional Tips

• Use Skin-On Salmon: For extra crispy texture, try using skin-on salmon fillets. The skin will get nice and crispy in the oven, adding a delicious crunch.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes with the potatoes and asparagus. They’ll roast up nicely alongside the salmon.
• Meal Prep: This dish works great for meal prepping. Make a big batch of the salmon, potatoes, and asparagus and store it in individual containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture and even cooking.

Q2: Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can roast the potatoes ahead of time and simply reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. They’ll still be crispy and delicious.

Q3: Can I substitute the asparagus for another vegetable?
A3: Yes! You can use broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts instead of asparagus. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese for the asparagus?
A4: Of course! Mozzarella, goat cheese, or parmesan would all be fantastic alternatives to cheddar.

Q5: What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
A5: Regular potatoes work fine too! Just cut them into smaller chunks or slices to ensure they cook through at the same time as the rest of the dish.

Q6: How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
A6: The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque.

Q7: Can I cook this dish on a grill instead of in the oven?
A7: Yes! You can grill the salmon and vegetables instead of roasting them. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking times.

Q8: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A8: Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper to the salmon rub, or drizzle a spicy sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick.

Q9: Can I add a sauce to this dish?
A9: Yes, a creamy lemon-dill sauce or a tangy yogurt-based dressing would complement the flavors beautifully.

Q10: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A10: While the components are best fresh, you can prepare the potatoes and season the salmon earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. Just roast everything when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with bold flavors, textures, and colors that come together to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re treating yourself to a delicious dinner or serving it up for a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this perfectly balanced, flavorful dish!

Print