Perfectly Balanced Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Grilling salmon is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a protein-rich meal. This recipe combines the natural flavor of grilled salmon with fresh asparagus, creating a balanced dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Grilled salmon with asparagus can be served alongside quinoa or rice for an even more nutritious option.

Ingredients You Will Need

1 lb (450g) of salmon fillets
3 large bunches of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: fresh dill for garnish

Steps to Prepare Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

To start, prepare your grill or preheat a grill pan. While the grill is heating up, clean and trim your asparagus; this ensures that they will cook evenly without any tough spots.

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste into an easy marinade. You can either coat the salmon with it directly or marinate for about 10 minutes in the fridge before grilling. For the asparagus, you will drizzle them with half of the marinade.

When your grill is hot, place the salmon fillets on one side and the asparagus on another part of the grill if using a charcoal or gas grill, or use separate sections if you're using a grill pan. It's important to let the fish cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on its thickness; however, you want it just firm but still slightly pink inside for optimal freshness and safety.

For asparagus, they will take about 4-5 minutes per side if grilled directly over medium heat. If using a grill pan or oven-roasting method, reduce the time by half to 2-3 minutes per side. As the vegetables are cooking, periodically baste them with more of your marinade for extra flavor.

Once both the salmon and asparagus have reached their ideal doneness, remove everything from the grill, let it rest for a couple of minutes if necessary, then garnish the dish with some fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy its succulent flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 341; Protein: 38g; Carbohydrates: 5g; Fat: 19g; Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 0g. The dish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Health Benefits

The combination of grilled salmon with asparagus provides a balanced meal that's rich in essential nutrients. Salmon, especially wild-caught varieties, contains high levels of vitamin D, niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium, all vital for maintaining bone health and energy production.

Wild salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for heart health and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
The asparagus contributes to a healthy diet with its low-calorie count, rich in antioxidants, and fiber content. It’s also known to boost immune function and promote digestion.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly healthy. Grilling salmon and asparagus together ensures that you get a variety of flavors and textures in one meal. It’s perfect for those days when you want something quick yet nutritious. Additionally, the recipe can be easily customized according to personal taste preferences such as adding additional herbs or spices.

Moreover, it's a great option for a light dinner or lunch, making it suitable for people looking to reduce their calorie intake while enjoying delicious food. Whether you're preparing this dish for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, it promises to be an enjoyable dining experience.

Tips For Cooking Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

Make sure your salmon is fresh; a good indicator of freshness is the firm texture and moist flesh. If you're not sure about its quality, avoid using it in this recipe to ensure perfect results.
To enhance the flavor further, consider adding a few cloves of garlic or a splash of soy sauce during preparation for additional zest.
For best results when grilling, preheat your grill and use tongs instead of a fork to turn the fish. This way, you won't break down the delicate flesh and maintain its integrity throughout cooking.

Conclusion

Incorporating grilled salmon with asparagus into your meal plan can bring various health benefits along with delightful taste experiences. Its preparation process is straightforward yet rewarding; it’s a dish everyone should consider adding to their repertoire for its nutritional value and ease of preparation.