Easy Honey Butter Salmon & Asparagus Packs

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Prepare a flavorful, nutritious meal with our Easy Honey Butter Salmon & Asparagus Packs, perfect for a quick and fuss-free weeknight dinner.

Ever have one of those days where you’re craving something really tasty, but just don’t have the energy for a big clean-up afterwards? I sure do! Meet my Easy Honey Butter Salmon & Asparagus Packs. It’s a real treat—juicy salmon and crisp asparagus, all beautifully flavored with a sweet and garlicky honey butter. And the best part? It’s all bundled up in a neat little foil pack. That means super easy prep and practically zero clean-up. Perfect for those busy weeknights, right?

Why make Easy Honey Butter Salmon & Asparagus Packs?

Convenience: This recipe involves minimal prep and clean-up. By cooking the salmon and asparagus in foil packs, you’re saving yourself a lot of time and effort. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, fuss-free dinner!
Nutrition: Salmon and asparagus are both nutritional powerhouses. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while asparagus provides a good dose of fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K. This recipe is a great way to incorporate these healthy ingredients into your diet.
Flavor: The honey butter glaze takes these foil packs to another level. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory garlic and herbs, creating a deliciously rich flavor that complements the salmon and asparagus beautifully. It’s a gourmet meal made right in your kitchen!

Choosing your Ingredients

Salmon: Look for fresh salmon fillets that are bright in color and do not have a strong fishy smell. If possible, opt for wild-caught salmon, which is often higher in nutrients compared to farmed salmon.
Asparagus: Choose asparagus stalks that are firm and bright green with tightly closed tips. Avoid asparagus with wilted tips or discolored stems.
Honey: Go for pure, natural honey rather than processed versions. Natural honey retains more of its nutritional benefits and often has a richer flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is typically recommended for this recipe so that you can control the salt content. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can adjust the added salt in the recipe to taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic often provides the best flavor. Avoid garlic that is soft, has dark spots, or has started sprouting.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs will provide the most flavor in this recipe. You can choose your favorite herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme. If using dried herbs, remember that they are more potent than fresh herbs, so you’ll need less.

Can I prepare these packs in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the packs and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. This can make your dinner prep even faster!

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, if fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs. The general rule of thumb is to use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon in this recipe. However, it’s important to properly thaw the salmon before cooking it. To do this, you can transfer the frozen salmon to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. If you need to thaw it more quickly, you can use the defrost function on your microwave, or seal the salmon in a plastic bag and immerse it in cold water.
Using frozen salmon may slightly alter the cooking time of the recipe, so be sure to check that the salmon is cooked through before serving. As with fresh salmon, the FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

What can I serve with Easy Honey Butter Salmon & Asparagus Packs

Grains: How about adding some cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous to the mix? They’re a nice way to add a bit more substance to your meal, and they’ll soak up all that tasty honey butter sauce.
Potatoes: If you’re a spud fan, some roasted or mashed potatoes would be a perfect match. You could even chuck some diced potatoes into the foil pack, and they’ll cook up right along with the salmon and asparagus.
Salad: Want to keep things light and fresh? A crisp salad could be just the thing. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, a refreshing tomato cucumber salad – both would make a great side.
Bread: And who could say no to a good piece of crusty bread? It’s just the ticket for mopping up any extra honey butter sauce.

Tips for Easy Honey Butter Salmon & Asparagus Packs

Foil: Double up on the foil to prevent any leaks or tears that could let out all that lovely honey butter sauce. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that goodness!
Salmon: Don’t overcook your salmon – it can go from perfect to dry pretty quickly. Check it a little earlier than you think you need to. You’re aiming for a nice flaky texture.
Asparagus: Try to choose asparagus spears that are similar in size so they all cook at the same rate. Those thin ones can get overcooked while you’re waiting for the thicker ones to get done.
Herbs: If you’re using fresh herbs, add some of them towards the end of cooking or even after the packs come out of the oven. This will give you a nice burst of fresh flavor.
Variation: Feel free to play around with this recipe. You could add some lemon slices for extra tang, sprinkle in some chili flakes for a bit of heat, or swap out the asparagus for your favorite veggies.
Make-ahead: If you’re pressed for time, you can assemble these packs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When dinner time rolls around, just pop them in the oven and you’re good to go!

Want more Easy Recipes?

One-pan Honey Garlic Chicken Asparagus
Easy Air Fryer Salmon
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken