Name: Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried); 2 cloves garlic (minced); Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon slices for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, fuss-free main course to light up your weeknight dinner or impress weekend guests, look no further than Salmon with Lemon and Dill. This classic dish brings together the tender richness of salmon, the zesty brightness of lemon, and the fresh aroma of dill for a combination that’s elegant enough for company and easy enough for an everyday meal. In just 25 minutes, you’ll pull off a stunning entrée with minimal prep and maximum flavor—no culinary degree required!

Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Salmon with Lemon and Dill truly spectacular is how just a handful of ingredients come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each item plays its own vital role in flavor, texture, or color, so don’t skip any of them!

Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon is the star—choose boneless fillets for easiest prep and serving.
Olive Oil: Adds depth, moisture, and a subtle fruitiness that enhances the salmon’s richness.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lifts the dish with refreshing tartness and keeps the fish tasting bright.
Lemon Zest: Packs an aromatic punch and intensifies the citrus notes in every bite.
Chopped Fresh Dill (or Dried): Dill brings a signature herby fragrance that pairs beautifully with seafood; fresh is best but dried works in a pinch.
Minced Garlic: Offers a gentle kick and savory backbone that rounds out the palate.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing every component and balancing flavors.
Lemon Slices for Garnish: Not just pretty—these lock in moisture and make each serving pop with color.

How to Make Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Begin by firing up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for effortless clean-up, and to prevent the salmon from sticking. This small step keeps everything neat and sets you up for success!

Step 2: Arrange the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between each piece. This allows the hot oven air to circulate evenly, ensuring all the fillets cook perfectly and the skin crisps up nicely underneath.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor Bomb

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture is the secret sauce for your Salmon with Lemon and Dill—it infuses every bite with punchy citrus, herby freshness, and a little garlicky warmth.

Step 4: Spoon and Top

Generously spoon the lemon and dill mixture over each salmon fillet, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Top each piece with a thin slice of lemon. That little disc of citrus isn’t just for looks—it quietly steams into the fish as it bakes, giving an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know your Salmon with Lemon and Dill is ready when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and appears just opaque in the center. Be careful not to overbake; perfectly cooked salmon is tender, juicy, and full of life.

How to Serve Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Garnishes

Finish each serving with a flourish: a sprinkling of extra fresh dill, a wedge or two of lemon, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. These simple garnishes add color, aroma, and a little sparkle—making every plate feel restaurant-worthy at home.

Side Dishes

Salmon with Lemon and Dill pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides. For a light meal, try it with a crisp green salad or roasted spring vegetables. For something more substantial, steamed rice, herbed quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes are all knockout choices. Let the herby-citrusy profile inspire your sides!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve the fillets atop a bed of arugula with shaved fennel and cherry tomatoes for a showstopper salad. Or, flake the salmon into chunks and layer over toasted baguette slices smeared with lemony ricotta as elegant appetizers—it’s Salmon with Lemon and Dill, but with a party twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which isn’t guaranteed!), transfer the cooled salmon to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, making it delicious for lunch the next day atop salads or in wraps.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Salmon with Lemon and Dill for up to 2 months. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To keep the salmon moist, place leftover fillets in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10-12 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Alternatively, enjoy cold or at room temperature atop salads—Salmon with Lemon and Dill is just as tasty chilled as it is hot.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your salmon fillets completely in the refrigerator before starting. Pat them dry so the marinade sticks nicely—this keeps your Salmon with Lemon and Dill perfectly textured.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

No worries. While fresh dill brings an unbeatable brightness, dried dill works too. Use about a teaspoon per fillet and rub it between your fingertips first to wake up the flavor.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Definitely. Preheat your grill to medium high and oil the grates. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the lemon-dill mixture—Salmon with Lemon and Dill takes on a dreamy smokiness this way.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The flavors are bright but not overpowering. If your kids are new to herbs, you can use a little less dill and skip the extra lemon on top—it’s a gentle way to introduce them to Salmon with Lemon and Dill.

How do I know when salmon is done?

Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and is just barely opaque in the thickest part. Overbaking leads to dryness, so start checking at the 12-minute mark—once you nail it, Salmon with Lemon and Dill will always be juicy and perfect!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this recipe enough for both new cooks and seasoned home chefs. The simplicity, freshness, and fabulous taste of Salmon with Lemon and Dill make it a true keeper in any kitchen. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes your go-to fish dish for busy weeknights and special occasions alike!

Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful and easy-to-make Salmon with Lemon and Dill recipe. Perfectly baked salmon fillets seasoned with zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and garlic, creating a dish that is both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet.
Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Season the salmon: Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets and top each with a lemon slice.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
Serve: Garnish with additional dill or lemon and serve immediately.