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Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce is a fresh and healthy dish that combines rich, buttery salmon with a bright, tangy lemon dill sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and packed with vibrant flavors that delight the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on, wild-caught if possible), about 6 ounces each
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Dill Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This ensures a crispy, flavorful crust when cooking.
  2. Make the Lemon Dill Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), freshly chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are blended into a creamy, vibrant sauce.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside.
  4. Serve with Sauce: Plate the salmon fillets and spoon the lemon dill sauce generously over the top or serve it on the side. Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs or lemon wedges for added color and brightness.

Notes

  • Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
  • Aim for medium doneness to keep salmon tender and moist; avoid overcooking.
  • Use fresh dill for the best flavor; dried dill does not provide the same freshness.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve a crisp skin.
  • Allow cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices.
  • Variations: Swap Greek yogurt with cream cheese for a richer sauce; try fresh parsley, tarragon, or chives in place of dill; add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice; grill instead of pan-sear for a smoky flavor; use coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon dill sauce, healthy dinner, quick recipe, pan-seared salmon, easy seafood