### Easy Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Looking for a simple yet elegant dinner option that combines convenience with delectable flavors? This **Easy Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce** is your answer. This recipe is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, minimal prep, and a burst of flavor that makes for a quick and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress with its ease and taste.

#### Ingredients:

- **4 salmon fillets** (about 6 oz each)
- **1 bunch of asparagus**, trimmed
- **4 tablespoons unsalted butter**, melted
- **2 cloves garlic**, minced
- **1 lemon**, sliced
- **1 tablespoon lemon juice**
- **1 teaspoon dried thyme** or **fresh thyme**, chopped
- **1 teaspoon dried rosemary** or **fresh rosemary**, chopped
- **Salt and freshly ground black pepper**, to taste
- **1 tablespoon olive oil** (optional, for extra richness)
- **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish, optional)

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven*
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. **Prepare the Foil Packets*
- Cut four large sheets of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap around a salmon fillet and some asparagus.
- Place a salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet. Arrange a portion of asparagus alongside the salmon.

3. **Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce*
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus.

4. **Assemble and Seal the Foil Packets*
- Top each salmon fillet with a few lemon slices. Optionally, drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra richness.
- Fold the edges of the foil to create a sealed packet, making sure it’s tightly closed to trap in steam and flavors.

5. **Bake*
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender but still crisp.

6. **Serve*
- Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of steam) and transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

#### Tips for the Perfect Dish:

- **Check for Doneness* Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The asparagus should be tender but not mushy.
- **Customization* Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the foil packets for added flavor and variety.
- **Extra Flavor* For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little more lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus before serving.

#### Nutritional Benefits:

This **Easy Baked Salmon in Foil** isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with health benefits:
- **Salmon* Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
- **Asparagus* Provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
- **Lemon* Adds a dose of vitamin C and enhances the flavors of the dish.

#### Variations:

- **Mediterranean Style* Add sliced olives and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- **Spicy Kick* Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the lemon garlic butter for some heat.

This **Easy Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce** is a wonderfully simple way to create a gourmet meal with minimal effort. The foil packets lock in the flavors and ensure the salmon and vegetables come out tender and delicious. Enjoy this recipe as a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy meal that’s easy enough for any day of the week.