If you’re craving a meal that brings bold flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting textures all to one plate, the Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe is an absolute treasure. Imagine tender salmon fillets generously rubbed with a lively blend of spices, accompanied by roasted baby potatoes infused with garlic and fragrant herbs, and perfectly roasted asparagus topped with melted mozzarella for that irresistible cheesy finish. This dish is an easy yet impressive way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests, all while feeling wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a special role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that make this recipe shine. From the robust spices to the fresh vegetables, these essentials come together to create a meal that’s as simple as it is stunning.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking and moist texture.
- Olive oil: A staple that adds richness and helps achieve that perfect roast on potatoes and salmon alike.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the salmon rub.
- Garlic powder: For a punch of savory depth in both the salmon, potatoes, and asparagus.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Cumin: Brings warmth and earthiness that elevates the salmon’s spice mix.
- Chili powder: Offers a subtle kick, balancing the dish with gentle heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste throughout.
- Asparagus: Fresh and trimmed to roast perfectly alongside other ingredients.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melted over asparagus for a creamy, indulgent touch.
- Baby potatoes: Halved for even roasting and absorbing all the garlic herb seasoning.
- Dried rosemary and thyme: These herbs add fragrant, aromatic notes to the potatoes that make them irresistible.
How to Make Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature cooks everything evenly and crisps up the potatoes beautifully while keeping the salmon flaky and tender. Having your oven ready to go ensures a smooth cooking process and delicious results.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Each potato half will soak up those bold, herby flavors as they roast, making every bite fragrant and satisfying. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to get those perfect golden edges.
Step 3: Season the Salmon Fillets
Rub each salmon fillet with olive oil, which helps lock in moisture and keeps the fish juicy during baking. Then sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the fillets. This spice combination guarantees a kick of flavor that’s vibrant but balanced.
Step 4: Bake Potatoes and Salmon
Arrange the salmon fillets on the same baking sheet as the potatoes, or use a separate sheet if you prefer. Bake everything in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll notice the salmon turning perfectly opaque and flaky, while the potatoes develop a tender interior and golden, crispy skin.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Cheesy Asparagus
While the salmon and potatoes begin baking, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. After the first 15 minutes, add asparagus to the baking sheet and sprinkle it generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the asparagus to soften just right and the cheese to melt into a gooey, flavorful topping.
Step 6: Serve Fresh and Hot
When the timer dings, take everything out of the oven and get ready to serve this wholesome feast immediately. The combination of spice, cheese, and herbs on each plate makes every bite a celebration.
How to Serve Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this dish further by sprinkling a handful of fresh chopped parsley or dill over the top just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side add zesty brightness that complements the richness of the salmon and cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light mixed green salad, or a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce to bring a cool contrast to the warm, spiced elements on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the salmon fillets atop a bed of the cheesy asparagus and scattered garlic herb potatoes around the edges for a rustic yet elegant presentation. Alternatively, divide the dish into individual cast iron skillets for a charming, personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
If you need a longer storage option, you can freeze the salmon and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. However, asparagus with cheese is best enjoyed fresh and may not freeze well.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the salmon moist and the potatoes crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can toughen the fish and make the potatoes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before applying the spices to ensure even cooking and a delicious texture.
Is it necessary to use mozzarella cheese on the asparagus?
While mozzarella adds a wonderfully creamy, melty element, you can substitute with Parmesan or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace salmon with large portobello mushrooms or tofu marinated in the same spice mix and roasted accordingly.
What can I use instead of baby potatoes?
Small red or Yukon gold potatoes also work great for this dish, just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How spicy is the chili powder in this recipe?
The chili powder adds a mild warmth more than heat, so it should be pleasant for most palates, but you can always adjust the amount to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe is truly a star on any dinner table. It combines approachable ingredients with spectacular flavors and textures that feel both cozy and sophisticated. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. So go on, give it a whirl and enjoy every flavorful, cheesy, herby bite!
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Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus and Garlic Herb Potatoes recipe is a delicious, hearty meal featuring perfectly seasoned salmon fillets baked alongside crispy garlic and herb-infused baby potatoes, with tender asparagus topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a balanced and flavorful dish that comes together easily for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Asparagus
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garlic Herb Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the components evenly.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Prepare the Salmon: Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil. Then evenly sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over them. Place the salmon fillets on the same baking sheet as the potatoes or on a separate sheet if more space is needed.
- Bake Salmon and Potatoes: Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork, while the potatoes become golden and tender.
- Prepare the Asparagus: While the salmon and potatoes bake, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. After the initial 15 minutes of baking, add the asparagus to the baking sheet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over it.
- Finish Baking: Continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove all items from the oven and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Make sure to cut potatoes evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- If using different sized salmon fillets, adjust baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with Parmesan or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
