Simplify Your Weeknights: A Flavorful Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Delight
A Quick and Nutritious Weeknight Solution
Preparing a healthy and delicious dinner can be a challenge on busy weeknights, but this recipe offers a perfect solution. It's designed for speed and simplicity, ensuring that a satisfying meal is on the table with minimal fuss and maximum nutritional value.
The Benefits of One-Pan Cooking
The beauty of this dish lies in its single-sheet pan preparation. All ingredients cook together harmoniously, concentrating flavors and, most importantly, simplifying the cleanup process. This method saves valuable time and energy, making healthy eating more accessible than ever.
Key Ingredients for a Balanced Plate
The recipe combines the richness of balsamic vinegar, the depth of extra-virgin olive oil, and the savory notes of reduced-sodium soy sauce to create a marinade that infuses the salmon and vegetables with a delightful flavor. Freshly grated garlic, Dijon mustard, and a hint of crushed red pepper add layers of complexity, while salt and ground pepper balance the profile. The main components include succulent skinless center-cut salmon, crisp asparagus, and sweet red onion, all designed to complement each other perfectly.
Effortless Preparation Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a spacious bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Add the cut salmon, trimmed asparagus, and red onion pieces to the bowl, tossing gently to ensure everything is thoroughly coated. Spread the mixture evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the salmon is perfectly cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of fresh lemon wedges to brighten the flavors.
Nutritional Highlights of This Meal
Each serving of this meal, approximately 1½ cups, provides a robust nutritional profile. It contains 279 calories, 13g of fat (with 2g saturated fat), and 78mg of cholesterol. The carbohydrate content is 9g, including 4g of total sugars and no added sugars. With an impressive 31g of protein, 3g of fiber, 387mg of sodium, and 994mg of potassium, this dish is not only delicious but also supports various dietary needs, being free of added sugar, anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean diet-friendly, sesame-free, low-carb, suitable for weight loss, diabetes-friendly, nut-free, dairy-free, beneficial for healthy pregnancy and aging, rich in omega-3s, low in sodium, and heart-healthy.