Introduction

This Herb Garlic Butter Salmon Foil recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon with fresh herbs and tender asparagus. Wrapped in foil, the salmon steams in its own juices, making it moist and delicious with minimal cleanup.

Several salmon fillets are placed on a baking tray lined with shiny foil. Each salmon fillet has three layers: the bottom layer is pink-orange with black specks of seasoning, the middle layer is a round, light sauce or butter with green herb flecks, and the top layer is a bright yellow lemon slice with visible pulp. Underneath each salmon fillet are thin green slices of zucchini. Around the salmon pieces are small, round, bright red cherry tomatoes. The tray is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2‑inch pieces
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 Tbsp white wine or chicken broth (for extra steam)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12 × 15 inches each. Lay each sheet on a clean surface and lightly drizzle olive oil in the center to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Mash together with a fork until smooth and aromatic.
Step 3: Place a salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Spread a generous spoonful of the herb garlic butter over each fillet.
Step 5: Arrange lemon slices and asparagus pieces around the salmon. Drizzle each packet with ½ tablespoon of white wine or chicken broth for extra steam.
Step 6: Fold the foil over the salmon and vegetables, sealing the edges tightly to create packets.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 8: Remove the packets from the oven and let them rest for 2–3 minutes before opening. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist finish.
Step 9: Carefully open the packets, drizzle any remaining juices over the salmon, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can work in a pinch—reduce quantities by about half if using dried.
Add cherry tomatoes or sliced zucchini to the foil packets for extra veggies.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before serving.
To make this recipe keto-friendly, serve the salmon and asparagus with a side salad instead of grains.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, covered with foil, to prevent drying out. Avoid reheating in the foil packet to prevent any metallic taste.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of baked salmon fillets arranged in a black baking tray lined with silver foil. Each piece of fish is topped with two thin, round layers of lemon slices and herb seasoning, with the salmon itself having a light pink-orange color and a slightly shiny texture from cooking. Underneath the salmon, there are thin slices of green zucchini forming the base layer. Whole bright red cherry tomatoes are scattered around the tray, adding pops of color. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the salmon beforehand for even cooking. Pat the fillets dry to avoid excess moisture inside the foil packets.

Can I cook this foil packet recipe on the grill?

Absolutely! Grill the packets over medium heat for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep the packets sealed tightly to maintain steam and moisture.

Herb Garlic Butter Salmon Foil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

Delicious and easy Herb Garlic Butter Salmon Foil packets combine tender salmon fillets with fresh lemon, asparagus, and a fragrant herb garlic butter, all steamed to perfection in foil. This healthy, flavorful meal comes together quickly and cooks evenly in the oven, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Vegetables

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Herb Garlic Butter

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 Tbsp white wine or chicken broth (for extra steam)

Instructions

Preparing the Foil Packets: Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12 by 15 inches each. Lay each sheet on a clean surface and lightly oil the center with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the salmon and vegetables from sticking during cooking.
Making the Herb Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh dill, parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork to mash everything into a smooth, aromatic paste that will infuse the salmon with herbaceous flavor during cooking.
Assembling & Cooking: Place a salmon fillet on the center of each foil sheet. Top each fillet with a few lemon slices, then add the asparagus pieces around the salmon. Evenly distribute the herb garlic butter over each fillet and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Pour 2 tablespoons of white wine or chicken broth onto each packet to generate steam. Fold the foil over the salmon and vegetables, sealing the edges tightly to create individual packets. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. After removing from the oven, allow the packets to rest for 2-3 minutes before carefully opening to avoid steam burns.

Notes

Be sure to tightly seal the foil packets to trap steam for moist, tender salmon and perfectly cooked asparagus.
Fresh herbs can be substituted or adjusted according to preference, such as adding basil or chives.
If white wine or chicken broth is not available, use a small amount of water to create steam in the packets.
For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
Serve the foil packets with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Keywords: salmon foil packets, herb garlic butter salmon, baked salmon with asparagus, easy salmon dinner, healthy salmon recipe