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Healthy Heart-Healthy Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

healthy heart-healthy grilled salmon - featured image

A quick and easy grilled salmon and asparagus recipe packed with omega-3s and antioxidants, perfect for heart health and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds plus zest of half
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, a pinch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). If using a grill pan, heat over medium-high for about 5 minutes.
  2. Trim off the tough ends of the asparagus (about the bottom 1-2 inches). Rinse and pat dry. Place in a mixing bowl.
  3. Toss asparagus with olive oil, half the minced garlic, salt, and pepper until coated but not dripping.
  4. Lay out four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (roughly 12×12 inches each) on your work surface.
  5. Divide the asparagus evenly on each foil piece, arranging in a single layer in the center.
  6. Place one salmon fillet skin-side down on top of the asparagus.
  7. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, the remaining garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Lay 2-3 thin lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh dill on each fillet.
  9. Fold the foil up and over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet, leaving some air inside for steam circulation.
  10. Place foil packets on the grill or grill pan. Close the lid and cook for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  11. Carefully remove the packets using tongs and let rest for 2 minutes before opening.
  12. Open the packets carefully, transfer salmon and asparagus to plates, and drizzle any leftover juices over the top.

Notes

Keep the skin on the salmon to retain moisture and crisp it up if finishing skin-side down. Avoid overcooking; salmon is best at an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). Use fresh lemon and garlic for brightness. For extra char, open packets for last 2-3 minutes on grill grates. Foil packets keep fish moist and flavorful. If no grill available, bake foil packets in a 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled salmon, asparagus, heart-healthy, omega-3, quick dinner, healthy recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free