Looking for an easy salmon dinner that the whole family will actually love? These Spring Salmon Bites with Asparagus and Garlicky Cream Sauce are fresh, flavorful and incredibly approachable.
This dish is everything you want in a spring fish dinner: light, creamy, and packed with seasonal flavor. Think tender salmon bites, crisp asparagus, fresh dill, spring onions, bright lemon zest, and a silky cream sauce that ties it all together.
Cutting salmon into bite-sized pieces is one of the easiest ways to get kids excited about eating fish. The smaller pieces cook quickly, stay tender and feel much less intimidating than a full fillet.
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Bites
- Kid-friendly (bite-sized = less intimidating)
- Quick and easy (ready in ~35 minutes)
- Nutrient dense (packed with protein and omega-3 fats) and satisfying
- Flavors of spring shine through: lemon, scallions, fresh dill
Pro Tip for Perfect Salmon Bites
Start the salmon skin side up when searing. Flip the bites after 2-3 minutes and cook another few minutes until just opaque in the middle. When you remove the bites from the skillet, the skin will slide right off, so most of the skin will be left in the pan. This is great especially for family members that would prefer not to eat (or see!) the salmon skin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon
- Olive oil
- Asparagus
- Butter
- Shallot
- Scallions
- Garlic
- Half and half
- Lemon zest
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F.
Cut salmon into 1 1/2 inch cubes. Pat salmon dry and season lightly with kosher salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon in a single layer skin side up. Sear for 2–3 minutes, flip, and cook another few minutes until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and place in the oven to keep warm.
- Wipe out the skillet or use a clean one. Add remaining olive oil over medium heat.
- Add asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and cook 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Transfer to the plate with the salmon.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the shallot and white parts of the scallions. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in half & half and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Add lemon zest and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the sauce into a serving bowl. Top with asparagus and salmon.
- Top with fresh dill, green parts of scallions and flaky sea salt. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips for Success
- Cut salmon into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcook the salmon. It should be just opaque.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling (don’t boil it).
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor – dried dill just doesn’t cut it.
What to Serve with Salmon Bites
These salmon bites pair beautifully with:
- Buttery lemon orzo
- Crusty bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted or smashed potatoes
Why Salmon Is a Great Choice for Families
Salmon is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients that support brain and heart health for both kids and adults. Serving it in these bite-sized pieces makes it more approachable and fun for kids to enjoy.
Looking for More Great Salmon Recipes?
Spring Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs salmon cut into 1–1½-inch cubes
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot small shallot, minced
- 3 scallions white and green parts, thinly sliced, divided
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 lemon zested then sliced into wedges
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- flaky sea salt for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Pat salmon dry and season lightly with kosher salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an extra large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon in a single layer skin side up and sear 2–3 minutes, flip then cook a few more minutes until golden and barely cooked through. Transfer to a large plate and place into oven to keep warm.
- Wipe skillet clean and remove any fish skin that stuck to it or use a clean skillet. Add remaining olive oil over medium heat and add asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Transfer to plate with salmon.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add shallot and whites of the scallions and cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in half & half and bring to barely a simmer (do not boil). Add lemon zest. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season to taste.
- Spoon sauce into a large serving bowl. Top with asparagus and salmon. Sprinkle with fresh dill, the greens of the scallions and sea salt. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh, easy, and family-friendly seafood dinner, these Spring Salmon Bites are a must-make. They’re bright, creamy, and full of flavor, while still being simple enough for a busy weeknight.
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