If you’re looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor yet simple to prepare, the Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish brings together perfectly seasoned salmon fillets with a smoky kick, tender asparagus topped with melted Parmesan, and baby potatoes tossed in fragrant garlic herb butter. The harmony of spices, fresh ingredients, and cheesy goodness makes for a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and elegant—ideal for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic here. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s elevating the texture, adding a punch of color, or layering nuanced flavors that make this dish stand out.
- Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): The star of the dish, rich in flavor and omega-3s.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons total): Used for coating salmon and asparagus to ensure a beautiful roast.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, smoky depth to the salmon’s spice rub.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy undertone that complements the paprika perfectly.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed): Adds fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup shredded): Sprinkled on asparagus for an irresistible cheesy finish.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 pounds, halved): Creamy base that soaks up garlic and herbs beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For roasting and coating potatoes with rich flavor.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the potatoes with fragrant aroma and taste.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens and lifts the potatoes with a fresh burst.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy note that complements the potatoes wonderfully.
How to Make Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Spice Rub
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This spice blend is the secret to the salmon’s bold, smoky flavor—make sure to whisk it well to evenly distribute each element.
Step 2: Season and Arrange Salmon and Asparagus
Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil, then generously rub each with the spice blend, ensuring every nook is covered for maximum flavor. Place the fillets on one side of a parchment-lined baking sheet. On the other side, toss the trimmed asparagus with the remaining olive oil, then sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over them. This setup allows both components to roast simultaneously without flavors mingling too much.
Step 3: Roast Until Perfect
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast everything for 15 to 18 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender and cheesy on top. If you want extra crispiness on your asparagus, switch the oven to broil for the last two minutes. Just keep an eye so nothing burns!
Step 4: Boil and Flavor the Potatoes
While your salmon and asparagus roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved baby potatoes and cook until just fork-tender, roughly 10 to 12 minutes. Drain them well and return to the warm pot. Add butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently so the potatoes absorb the delicious garlic herb butter, creating a fragrant and velvety side.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Arrange your beautifully spiced salmon alongside the cheesy asparagus and garlicky potatoes on each plate and serve immediately while everything is warm and vibrant. The colors alone will make it impossible not to dig in right away.
How to Serve Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a lemon wedge on the side can brighten the plate and complement the rich flavors of the salmon and potatoes beautifully. Feel free to add a little cracked black pepper over the entire dish just before serving for an extra kick of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe stands well on its own, but if you want to amp it up, a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber dill yogurt sauce can add freshness without overpowering. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze would also pair wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style on a large platter to create a communal, inviting vibe at the table. For a more elegant presentation, fan the salmon fillets and neatly stack the potatoes, topping the asparagus with extra Parmesan just before serving to keep that cheese melty and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salmon, asparagus, and potatoes in separate containers if possible to maintain their textures and flavors better.
Freezing
While this recipe is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon and potatoes for up to one month. Wrap the salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. The asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing tends to affect its texture negatively.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through or in a microwave on a medium setting. For extra crispiness, you can also pan-sear the salmon briefly after reheating. Avoid high heat to keep the fish tender and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before seasoning and cooking to ensure even roasting.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes? Can I substitute something else?
Yes! You can use small Yukon gold potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor profile — just adjust boiling times accordingly to achieve tenderness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast, and swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine in the potatoes.
How spicy is the salmon in this dish?
The spice blend offers a gentle kick thanks to the cayenne pepper, but it’s balanced by the smoky paprika and herbs, so it’s flavorful without being overwhelmingly hot.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together without fuss, rewarding you with layers of delicious flavors and textures. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite to keep coming back to.
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Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes recipe is a flavorful and wholesome meal featuring perfectly seasoned salmon fillets roasted alongside Parmesan-topped asparagus. Paired with tender garlic herb potatoes, it offers a balanced dish full of vibrant spices, fresh herbs, and comforting textures. Ideal for a nutritious gluten-free dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Asparagus
- 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garlic Herb Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Spice Mix: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the spice blend for the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: Rub the salmon fillets on all sides with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the spice mixture. Place the fillets on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare the Asparagus: Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, then spread them out on the other side of the baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the asparagus.
- Roast Salmon and Asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender and cheesy.
- Cook the Potatoes: While the salmon and asparagus roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved baby potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Toss Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic: To the drained potatoes, add the unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until the potatoes are well coated with the aromatic butter mixture.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the spiced salmon fillets alongside the cheesy asparagus and garlic herb potatoes on plates. Serve immediately while warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for baby potatoes for a different flavor and sweetness.
- For extra crisp asparagus, switch the oven to broil and broil the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.
- Ensure potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Adjust spices to taste if you prefer less heat from cayenne pepper.