There’s something absolutely magical about the way citrus and fresh herbs can bring a simple dish to life, and Salmon with Lemon and Dill is a shining example of this flavor duo at its finest. Imagine perfectly baked salmon fillets, tender and flaky, infused with zesty lemon and aromatic dill, then finished with a whisper of olive oil and garlic. This light but utterly satisfying meal comes together quickly but tastes like it’s straight from a favorite bistro. If you’re looking for a healthy, impressive, and wildly delicious dinner to brighten up your table, Salmon with Lemon and Dill will become your new weeknight obsession—trust me!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Salmon with Lemon and Dill is how the short ingredient list delivers incredible results. Each item is thoughtfully selected to build layers of flavor, color, and aroma, making this dish feel fresh and vibrant with hardly any fuss.
- Salmon fillets: Choose center-cut, skin-on fillets for the juiciest texture and best presentation.
- Olive oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps all those delicious flavors soak into the fish.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the salmon.
- Lemon zest: Packs an extra punch of citrusy aroma that sets this recipe apart.
- Fresh dill: The classic pairing for salmon, inspiring herbal notes in every bite.
- Garlic: Minced for a mellow, savory undertone that plays beautifully with the lemon and dill.
- Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to bring out the inherent flavor of the salmon.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and gentle spice to round out the seasoning.
- Lemon slices: Optional for garnish, but highly recommended for extra color and a final burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that perfectly flaky texture. Line a baking sheet with either parchment paper or foil to make cleanup a breeze. Pat the salmon fillets dry—this helps the seasoning stick and encourages a lovely, slightly crisp top. Place the fillets skin-side down, giving each one some room for heat to circulate and cook them evenly.
Step 2: Mix Up the Flavorful Topping
Grab a small bowl and combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant zest, boldly chopped dill, minced garlic, a sprinkle of salt, and the tiniest dash of black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a fresh marinade that smells so good you’ll want to dip your spoon in for a taste (go ahead and try, no judgment here).
Step 3: Dress the Salmon Fillets
Spoon that glorious lemon-dill mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure every inch gets coated. This ensures that every bite is full of flavor and moisture. For an extra pop, top each piece with a thin slice of lemon—this not only looks stunning but infuses even more citrus essence as it cooks.
Step 4: Bake to Tender Perfection
Slip the baking sheet into your hot oven and let the magic happen for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for salmon that easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep an eye on it, since oven times vary. Once done, pull out the tray and let the fillets rest for a minute or two, which helps all those wonderful juices redistribute evenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your shimmering salmon fillets to plates and shower them with a bit more dill or a few lemon wedges for extra brightness. This final touch not only looks restaurant-level but brings out all those fresh, zippy notes in your Salmon with Lemon and Dill.
How to Serve Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Garnishes
Garnishing is where this dish goes from great to show-stopping with minimal effort. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill for a punch of color and aroma, a few extra lemon slices or wedges, and perhaps a gentle twist of cracked black pepper on top. The simple accoutrements highlight everything that’s wonderful about Salmon with Lemon and Dill and make your plate look instantly more inviting.
Side Dishes
This vibrant entrée plays well with so many sides! I adore serving it with roasted potatoes that soak up those citrusy juices, or a tumble of steamed asparagus for extra greens. A crisp salad with baby arugula, cucumber, and a little feta balances the rich fish perfectly. Whatever you choose, aim for bright, fresh, and simple to let the flavors of the salmon stay the star.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, flake the baked salmon and toss it into a tangy salad or pile it onto toasted sourdough for a glorious open-faced sandwich. For an elegant touch, serve mini Salmon with Lemon and Dill fillets atop individual plates of herbed couscous or alongside a rainbow of sautéed veggies. Want to wow a brunch crowd? Add a poached egg and avocado for a Scandinavian-inspired twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salmon with Lemon and Dill keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Place cooled fillets in an airtight container—storing them with a lemon wedge or a few sprigs of fresh dill can help retain that signature brightness. Enjoy cold the next day atop salads, or reheat for a quick meal.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, this dish can absolutely be frozen. Wrap cooled salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their great flavor for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Salmon with Lemon and Dill in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot all the way through. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can dry out the fish and dull those fabulous fresh flavors—low and slow is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill if fresh isn’t available?
Absolutely! While fresh dill has a delicate, grassy flavor that’s tailor-made for this dish, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried dill in a pinch. Use a little less and taste as you go, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What’s the best way to know when my salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon should easily flake with a fork and appear opaque all the way through. For best results, use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. Overcooked salmon dries out quickly, so keep a close eye during those last few minutes.
Can I grill Salmon with Lemon and Dill instead of baking it?
Definitely! Prepare the salmon as directed, then grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side. Make sure to oil the grill grates first to prevent sticking, and use a spatula to flip gently. You’ll get delicious smoky notes alongside all that vibrant lemon and dill flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy free or gluten free?
Great news: Salmon with Lemon and Dill is naturally both dairy free and gluten free. Just ensure your other ingredients, like garnishes and sides, fit your dietary needs, and you’re good to go!
What can I do if my salmon fillets are thinner or thicker than the recipe calls for?
If your fillets are on the thinner side, start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early so they don’t dry out. If they’re thicker, they may need a few extra minutes—just keep that thermometer handy for best results. The flexibility of this recipe is one of its best features!
Final Thoughts
With its unbeatable combo of healthful ingredients and inspiring flavor, Salmon with Lemon and Dill is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy enough for busy nights but special enough to impress any guest. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to effortless, delicious home cooking, give Salmon with Lemon and Dill a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful and easy-to-make Salmon with Lemon and Dill recipe. Perfectly baked salmon fillets infused with zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and savory garlic, creating a dish that is both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them skin-side down on the baking sheet.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture over each salmon fillet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill or lemon wedges.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or a green salad.
- For a variation, you can grill the salmon instead of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
