Name: Lemon Dill Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless); 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lemon (zested and sliced); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra depth); ½ teaspoon honey (for subtle sweetness); Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Bright, fresh, and effortlessly elegant, Lemon Dill Salmon is one of those recipes that feels special while still being incredibly easy to make. Tender, flaky salmon is infused with zesty lemon, fragrant dill, and a buttery garlic sauce that melts into the fish as it cooks. The result is a light yet satisfying dish with clean flavors, a silky texture, and an aroma that instantly makes the kitchen feel inviting.

This is the kind of recipe that works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for a casual dinner party. It’s fresh without being bland, flavorful without being heavy, and simple enough that the salmon itself truly shines. If you’re looking for a reliable, healthy, and Pinterest worthy seafood dinner, Lemon Dill Salmon is a must have in your rotation.

LEMON DILL SALMON

What Is Lemon Dill Salmon?

Lemon Dill Salmon is a classic preparation that pairs rich, fatty salmon with two of its most complementary flavors: lemon and dill. This combination is especially popular in Scandinavian and Northern European cooking, where fresh herbs and citrus are often used to balance rich fish.

What makes this dish unique is its simplicity and balance. The lemon adds brightness and acidity, the dill brings a fresh, slightly grassy note, and the salmon provides richness and natural flavor. Unlike heavily sauced seafood dishes, Lemon Dill Salmon enhances the fish rather than covering it up, making it perfect for anyone who loves clean, fresh meals.

This recipe can be baked, pan seared, or grilled, but the version below focuses on an easy, foolproof baked method that produces consistently juicy, flaky salmon every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and flavorful: Bright lemon and fresh dill balance the richness of salmon
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep
Healthy and nourishing: High in protein and omega-3s
Versatile: Works for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining
Pinterest-perfect: Simple ingredients with beautiful, vibrant presentation

How This Recipe Works

Lemon juice adds acidity: Helps cut through the richness of the salmon
Dill complements fish naturally: Enhances flavor without overpowering
Gentle oven heat: Keeps the salmon moist and flaky
Butter or olive oil carries flavor: Ensures even cooking and rich texture

Ingredients

For the Salmon

2 pounds salmon fillet, skin-on or skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra depth)
½ teaspoon honey (for subtle sweetness)
Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Substitutions & Notes

Dried dill can be used in a pinch (1½ teaspoons), but fresh is best
Olive oil keeps it lighter; butter adds richness
Atlantic or sockeye salmon both work well

Close-up of flaky lemon dill salmon — Flaky, tender, and bursting with lemon-dill flavor in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Place it skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Drying the surface helps the salmon roast instead of steam.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Dill Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. If using Dijon mustard or honey, whisk them in now.

Step 4: Season the Salmon

Brush or spoon the lemon dill mixture evenly over the salmon. Arrange lemon slices on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the fish moist.

Garnish with extra fresh dill and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

Extra crispy edges: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes
Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before baking
Garlic lover’s twist: Roast whole garlic cloves alongside the salmon
Mediterranean style: Add capers and sliced red onion
Grilled option: Grill over medium heat on foil for 8–10 minutes

If you enjoy fresh, simple dinners like this, it pairs beautifully with lighter meals similar to your cozy favorites like Easy Lasagna Cups offering balance throughout the week.

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead

The lemon dill sauce can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance
Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use

Storage

Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently to avoid drying out

Freezing

Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly

Lemon dill salmon served with vegetables — Serve lemon dill salmon with your favorite sides for a complete, healthy meal.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Dill Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:

Roasted asparagus or green beans
Garlic mashed potatoes or baby potatoes
Rice pilaf or lemon rice
Simple cucumber salad or mixed greens

For a complete meal plan, balance richer comfort meals like Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili with this lighter seafood dinner during the week.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 360–400
Protein: 34–38g
Fat: 22–25g
Carbohydrates: 2–4g

Nutrition varies based on portion size and fat used.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking: Leads to dry, chalky salmon
Skipping seasoning: Salmon needs salt to shine
Too much lemon: Can overpower the fish if overused
High heat too long: Gentle cooking keeps it tender

FAQs About Lemon Dill Salmon

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well when warmed gently.

Can I pan-sear instead of bake?
Yes. Sear skin-side down first, then finish with the sauce.

What if I don’t like dill?
Parsley, thyme, or basil make great substitutes.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes. The flavors are mild, fresh, and not spicy.

Conclusion

Lemon Dill Salmon is proof that simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. Fresh, flaky salmon paired with bright lemon and fragrant dill makes this recipe a reliable go to for busy weeknights and relaxed entertaining alike. It’s healthy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable exactly the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

If you love easy dinners like Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup or Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Fresh, flaky, and bursting with lemony flavor this Lemon Dill Salmon is the easy, healthy dinner your Pinterest board needs. Save it now for a stress free win!

Lemon Dill Salmon

This Lemon Dill Salmon is light, flaky, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor. Tender salmon fillets are infused with bright lemon, fragrant dill, and simple seasonings that let the fish shine. It’s an easy, healthy dinner that feels elegant, refreshing, and perfect for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 410 kcal