Grilled Salmon with Mashed Sweet Potato and Asparagus
Tender, flaky grilled salmon is paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and crisp asparagus, drizzled with a zesty lemon-herb olive oil. This meal delivers beautiful balance — rich Omega-3 s from the salmon, nutrient-packed veggies, and warm comfort from the sweet potato mash.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Greek yogurt or milk (for creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Asparagus:
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt & black pepper
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
For the Lemon-Herb Drizzle (optional but recommended):
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey (optional)
1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Bring a pot of water to boil, add sweet potatoes, and cook for 15 minutes or until tender.
Drain and mash with olive oil (or butter), Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
2. Grill the Salmon:
Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and lemon juice; sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Grill (or pan-sear) over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through and flaky.
Optional: squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over while hot.
3. Cook the Asparagus:
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until tender-crisp.
Drizzle with lemon juice if desired.
4. Make the Lemon-Herb Drizzle (optional):
Whisk olive oil, lemon zest, juice, honey, and herbs together.
5. Assemble the Plate:
Spoon mashed sweet potatoes onto the plate.
Add grilled salmon and asparagus on the side.
Drizzle the lemon-herb sauce over salmon and vegetables.
Garnish with extra herbs.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 15–20 minutes before grilling.
You can use an air fryer for salmon (10 minutes at 400°F / 200°C).
Swap sweet potatoes for mashed cauliflower or butternut squash for variation.
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Greek yogurt sauce or tzatziki.
frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Q: How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque but still moist inside (internal temp ~145°F / 63°C).
Nutrition information
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbs: 34 g
Fiber: 7 g