In our household, weeknight dinners are often a delicate dance between speed, health, and deliciousness. Let’s be honest, after a long day, intricate recipes are usually off the table. That’s where this Lemon Dill Baked Salmon recipe truly shines. It’s become a reliable favorite, and for good reason. The bright, zesty flavors of lemon and fresh dill perfectly complement the richness of the salmon, creating a dish that feels both elegant and incredibly simple. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from fish, devours this salmon without complaint. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, from prep to plate, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings. If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free meal that everyone will love, look no further than this Lemon Dill Baked Salmon – it’s a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients for Lemon Dill Baked Salmon

Here are the simple, fresh ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful Lemon Dill Baked Salmon:

• 4 (6-ounce) Salmon Fillets: The star of the show! Choose skin-on or skin-off fillets, about 6-8 ounces each and roughly 1 inch thick for even cooking. Fresh or thawed frozen salmon both work wonderfully.
• ¼ cup Fresh Dill, chopped: Essential for that signature herbaceous and slightly citrusy flavor. Fresh dill is far superior to dried in this recipe, providing a bright and aromatic lift.
• 1 medium Lemon: Provides a zesty, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the salmon and brightens the overall flavor profile. You’ll need both the juice and zest for maximum lemon impact.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: A healthy fat that adds moisture and richness to the salmon, helping it bake beautifully and preventing it from drying out. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits.
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the lemon and dill without overpowering them. It’s a convenient way to incorporate garlic flavor quickly.
• ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste): Adds a touch of spice and complexity, balancing the brightness of the lemon and dill. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its bolder flavor.

Instructions for Perfect Lemon Dill Baked Salmon

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to bake your Lemon Dill Salmon to flaky, flavorful perfection:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking salmon quickly and evenly, ensuring it remains moist and tender. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Parchment paper is preferred for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, while foil also works well and can be lightly greased. This step is crucial to prevent the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet and making cleanup a breeze later.
2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: If using frozen salmon, ensure it is completely thawed. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the salmon to bake rather than steam, resulting in a slightly crisper exterior and better flavor absorption. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) or flesh-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fillet for even cooking.
3. Make the Lemon Dill Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. The olive oil acts as a carrier for the flavors, allowing them to penetrate the salmon effectively. Fresh dill is key for the vibrant flavor, while lemon zest provides a more concentrated lemon flavor than juice alone. Garlic powder adds a subtle savory note without the sharpness of fresh garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper at this stage to ensure the salmon is well-flavored throughout.
4. Coat the Salmon with the Lemon Dill Mixture: Generously spoon or brush the lemon dill mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Massage the mixture gently into the salmon flesh to help the flavors penetrate. The lemon and dill mixture will create a flavorful crust as the salmon bakes, keeping it moist and infusing it with delicious aromatics.
5. Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet with the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Baking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. The salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the flesh is opaque and easily flakes apart when gently pressed with a fork. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry and less flavorful salmon.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the salmon, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly baked Lemon Dill Salmon!

Nutrition Facts for Lemon Dill Baked Salmon (Per Serving)

(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories

• Protein: 35-40g (Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair)
• Fat: 20-25g (Primarily healthy fats from salmon and olive oil, including Omega-3 fatty acids)
• Saturated Fat: 3-4g (Lower in saturated fat compared to many other protein sources)
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 2000-3000mg (Salmon is exceptionally rich in beneficial Omega-3s, known for heart health benefits)
• Vitamin D: High in Vitamin D (Salmon is one of the best natural food sources of Vitamin D, important for bone health and immune function)

This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great choice for a healthy and balanced meal.

Preparation Time for Lemon Dill Baked Salmon

This recipe is incredibly quick and efficient, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, zesting and juicing the lemon, chopping the dill, and mixing the lemon dill marinade. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – minimal chopping and fuss are required.
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes. The salmon bakes quickly in a hot oven, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets, but it’s generally a very fast process.
• Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes. From start to finish, you can have a healthy and delicious Lemon Dill Baked Salmon dinner on the table in under half an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal when time is of the essence.

How to Serve Lemon Dill Baked Salmon

Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Vegetable Sides:
  • Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper provides a simple and elegant green side that complements the salmon beautifully. The slightly charred flavor of roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully with the bright lemon and dill.
  • Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: Broccoli, whether steamed to tender-crisp perfection or roasted for a slightly nutty flavor, is a healthy and versatile side. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the broccoli for extra brightness that ties in with the salmon.
  • Green Beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans with a touch of garlic and lemon zest are another excellent vegetable option. Their slight sweetness balances the richness of the salmon.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a heartier vegetable side, try roasted Brussels sprouts. Their slightly bitter flavor is nicely contrasted by the lemon and dill in the salmon.
  • Simple Salad: A fresh and crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the salmon. Consider adding cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion for extra flavor and texture.
• Grain and Starchy Sides:
  • Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious and protein-rich grain that makes a great base for the salmon. Its slightly nutty flavor and fluffy texture are a perfect complement.
  • Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all work well with Lemon Dill Baked Salmon. Consider adding a touch of lemon zest or fresh herbs to the rice to enhance the flavors.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, whether diced or as wedges, are a classic and comforting side dish. Toss them with herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a luxurious and comforting side. Consider adding garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor depth.
• Sauces and Garnishes:
  • Lemon Wedges: Always serve Lemon Dill Baked Salmon with extra lemon wedges. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a final touch of zest.
  • Fresh Dill Sprigs: Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for visual appeal and an extra burst of fresh dill aroma.
  • Yogurt Dill Sauce: A cool and creamy yogurt dill sauce is a fantastic accompaniment. Simply combine plain Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Lemon Butter Sauce: For a richer sauce, a simple lemon butter sauce is delicious. Melt butter in a pan, add lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over the salmon before serving.

By choosing a combination of these side dishes and garnishes, you can create a well-rounded and flavorful meal centered around your delicious Lemon Dill Baked Salmon.

Additional Tips for the Best Lemon Dill Baked Salmon

Elevate your Lemon Dill Baked Salmon to the next level with these helpful tips and tricks:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Salmon: The quality of your salmon significantly impacts the final dish. Opt for fresh, wild-caught or sustainably farmed salmon when possible. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and have a fresh, clean smell. If using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking and pat it dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give the salmon fillets enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause the salmon to steam instead of bake, resulting in uneven cooking and a less desirable texture. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure each fillet has room to cook properly. Proper spacing allows for better air circulation and even heat distribution.
3. Don’t Overbake the Salmon: Overbaking is the most common mistake when cooking salmon, leading to dry and tough fillets. Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Use a fork to gently test for flakiness in the thickest part of the fillet. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) if using a meat thermometer. It’s better to slightly underbake salmon than overbake it, as it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
4. Marinate for Extra Flavor (Optional): While this recipe is delicious as is, you can enhance the flavor even further by marinating the salmon for 15-30 minutes before baking. Simply combine the lemon dill mixture and let the salmon sit in it before baking. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the salmon flesh, resulting in a more intensely flavored dish. Be careful not to marinate for too long, especially with lemon juice, as the acidity can start to “cook” the salmon.
5. Add Lemon Zest for Intense Lemon Flavor: Lemon zest is the secret weapon for amplifying lemon flavor. It contains the lemon’s essential oils and provides a much more concentrated and aromatic lemon taste compared to just lemon juice alone. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it, and only zest the yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
6. Season Generously with Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon and the lemon dill mixture. Don’t be shy about seasoning generously both the salmon fillets and the lemon dill marinade. Taste the marinade before applying it to the salmon and adjust seasoning as needed. Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful and well-balanced dish.
7. Let the Salmon Rest After Baking: Allow the baked salmon to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, resulting in a more tender and moist final product. Cover the baking sheet loosely with foil while the salmon rests to keep it warm.
8. Broil for a Crispy Top (Optional): If you prefer a slightly crispy top on your salmon, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on the salmon while broiling to prevent it from burning. Broiling adds a nice textural contrast to the tender, flaky salmon. Ensure the salmon is almost fully cooked before broiling to avoid drying it out.

By incorporating these tips into your cooking process, you can ensure your Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is consistently delicious, moist, and flavorful every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lemon Dill Baked Salmon

Here are some common questions people have when making Lemon Dill Baked Salmon:

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking. The best way to thaw salmon is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Pat the thawed salmon thoroughly dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe to remove excess moisture.

Q2: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

A: Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Gently press the thickest part of the fillet with a fork – if it separates easily into flakes, it’s done. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking, as overbaked salmon will be dry and tough.

Q3: Can I make Lemon Dill Baked Salmon ahead of time?

A: While Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is best served fresh and hot, you can prepare it up to a day ahead and reheat it gently. To reheat, cover the salmon and bake it in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) until heated through, or gently microwave it in short intervals. Keep in mind that reheated salmon may not be as moist as freshly baked salmon. It’s generally better to prep the ingredients and assemble the dish ahead of time, and then bake it just before serving.

Q4: What if I don’t have fresh dill? Can I use dried dill?

A: Fresh dill is highly recommended for the best flavor in this recipe, as it provides a bright and aromatic taste that dried dill lacks. However, if you only have dried dill, you can use it in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill called for in the recipe. Keep in mind that the flavor will be less vibrant and fresh compared to using fresh dill. Consider adding a little extra lemon zest to compensate for the less intense dill flavor.

Q5: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

A: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its brighter and more complex flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it often lacks the same fresh, zesty quality. If using bottled lemon juice, try to choose a high-quality brand and consider adding a little extra lemon zest to boost the lemon flavor.

Q6: What are some good side dishes to serve with Lemon Dill Baked Salmon?

A: Lemon Dill Baked Salmon pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Excellent choices include roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Grain sides like quinoa, rice, or couscous are also great options. A fresh green salad or roasted potatoes are classic and satisfying accompaniments. (Refer to the “How to Serve” section for more detailed suggestions).

Q7: Can I bake the salmon with the skin on or skin off?

A: You can bake Lemon Dill Salmon with either skin on or skin off. Skin-on salmon can be slightly easier to handle and the skin can become crispy and flavorful during baking. If you prefer skinless salmon, you can remove the skin before baking or after it’s cooked. Baking skin-down is often recommended for skin-on fillets as it helps protect the flesh and keeps it moist.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to bake alongside the salmon on the same baking sheet?

A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to bake alongside the salmon for a complete one-pan meal. Vegetables that cook in a similar time frame to salmon, such as asparagus, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers, work well. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Be mindful of overcrowding and adjust baking time as needed to ensure both the salmon and vegetables are cooked through. You can also add lemon slices or wedges directly to the baking sheet for roasted lemon flavor.

Print