Baked Salmon with Asparagus Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 – 1 1/2 Pound Salmon Fillet ((substitute: 4 salmon filets each weighing 4-6 ounces))
• 3 1/2 TBS Olive Oil (- DIVIDED )
• 1 TBS + 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 2 small Lemons (– 1 sliced and the other zested & juiced)
• 1 clove Garlic (– minced)
• 1 tsp EACH: dried dill, dried parsley & smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 1/2 - 2 Pounds Asparagus Spears ((medium or thin spears, tough ends trimmed))
• Kosher Salt & Pepper (- to taste)
• 1/3 Heaping Cup Fresh Basil Leaves (- packed & finely chopped)
• 1/2 Cup Crème Fraiche
• 1 small clove Garlic (- minced)
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice
• Optional Garnishes: Micro Greens, Fresh Dill, Fresh Chives, Lemon Wedges
• Serving Suggestions: Artisan Bread, Salad, Grains (rice, quinoa)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.

2. 2

   Make lemon sauce: Make lemon dijon sauce for salmon: In a small bowl, mix together 2 ½ tablespoons of oil, mustard, lemon juice, zest, garlic, dill, parsley, paprika, cayenne and ½ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.

3. 3

   Season asparagus: Arrange asparagus and salmon on pan: Place the asparagus on the center of the baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Season the veggies generously with salt and pepper and then toss to coat. Next, arrange the asparagus so the spears are on the outside edges of the pan, making room in the center of the pan for the salmon. Then, place the salmon in the middle of the pan.

4. 4

   Brush salmon with sauce: Use a pastry brush to apply the lemon dijon sauce all over the salmon. Then, arrange the slices of lemon on the salmon and the asparagus.

5. 5

   Bake salmon and asparagus: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.

6. 6

   Make the aioli: Meanwhile, make the aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce with ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper (SEE NOTES). Taste and adjust for seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Set aside.

7. 7

   Serve salmon asparagus dinner: If using a center side of salmon, cut it into 4 pieces. Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the salmon and asparagus. Serve with the basil aioli on the side and enjoy!