Seared Lemon Dill Salmon

Seared Lemon Dill Salmon with Garlic-Lemon Butter: A Zesty, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Bright, fresh, and unbelievably quick to make, this Seared Lemon Dill Salmon is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. If you’ve been searching for an easy salmon recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, this one checks every box. It’s buttery, herby, and bursting with citrus — a must-try for seafood lovers.

Inspiration

Inspired by Scandinavian and coastal Mediterranean flavors, this dish combines two timeless ingredients — lemon and dill — with perfectly seared salmon. It’s a nod to the simple yet bold cooking traditions of the North, where fresh herbs and bright flavors elevate even the most basic ingredients. This recipe was born from a craving for something light yet comforting, clean but indulgent. The garlic-lemon butter takes it over the top.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bursting with fresh flavor from lemon, dill, and garlic
• Fast and easy – ready in just 22 minutes
• Healthy and protein-packed
• Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights

Quick Grocery List

For the Lemon Dill Salmon:

• Salmon fillets (skin-on)
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh dill
• Garlic powder
• Lemon zest

For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Lemon juice
• Fresh dill
• Dijon mustard (optional)

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

Prep & Cook Time:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Equipment Checklist:

• Cast iron or non-stick skillet
• Silicone spatula or fish turner
• Citrus zester
• Garlic press (optional)
• Small bowl for sauce

Dietary Adjustments:

• Gluten-free, low-carb, and keto friendly
• Easily adaptable for dairy-free (use plant-based butter)
• Pescatarian approved

Serving Size:
Serves 4

General Notes

• Wild-caught salmon provides the richest flavor and highest omega-3 content.
• Patting the fillets dry before cooking ensures a golden, crispy crust.
• Don’t skip zesting your lemon – it adds an extra layer of citrus aroma that’s key to this recipe.

Seared Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe | Easy Healthy Salmon Dinner with Fresh Herbs and Citrus

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time12 minutes

Total time27 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets, (6 oz each, skin on or off depending on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Zest of lemon
• ½ Juice of lemon

For the Lemon Dill Butter Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, (freshly squeezed)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt, (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon honey, Optional (for a hint of sweetness)

For Garnish:

• Lemon slices or wedges
• Extra chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

• 1

  Prep the Salmon:

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Drizzle lemon juice on top and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• 2

  Make the Lemon Dill Butter Sauce:

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Add honey if using.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.
• 3

  Sear the Salmon:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on). Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
  3. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp: 125°F to 130°F for medium).
• 4

  Serve:

  1. Drizzle the warm lemon dill butter sauce over the seared salmon.
  2. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra dill.

Equipment

• Non-stick or cast-iron skillet
• Small saucepan
• Tongs or fish spatula
• Microplane or zester
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons

Nutrition

Calories	385
Carbohydrates	2g
Cholesterol	95mg
Fat	26g
Fiber	0.2g
Protein	33g
Saturated Fat	7g
Sodium	410mg
Sugar	0.6g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	17g

Substitutions

• Herbs: Use tarragon or parsley in place of dill
• Citrus: Try lime or orange zest/juice for a twist
• Butter: Use ghee or vegan butter if preferred
• Protein: Tofu steaks make a great plant-based alternative

Variations

• Add red pepper flakes to the butter for subtle heat
• Toss in cherry tomatoes and capers for a Mediterranean vibe
• Serve over couscous, mashed potatoes, or greens for a full meal

Let’s Get Cooking

Pro Tips by Step:

Step 1 – Searing the Salmon:

• Let salmon come to room temp for even cooking
• Always sear skin-side down first
• Avoid moving the salmon around in the pan too early

Step 2 – Making the Sauce:

• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor
• Zest before juicing your lemon
• Add mustard gradually and taste as you go

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 390 – A hearty yet healthy main course.
• Carbohydrates: 2g – Ideal for low-carb lifestyles.
• Cholesterol: 95mg – Keep an eye if you’re watching cholesterol.
• Fat: 26g – From healthy sources like salmon and butter.
• Fiber: 0g – Pair with veggies or grains for added fiber.
• Protein: 35g – Excellent for muscle repair and satiety.
• Saturated Fat: 9g – Can be reduced by swapping butter.
• Sodium: 310mg – Adjust seasoning to suit low-sodium diets.
• Sugar: 0g – Naturally sugar-free.
• Trans Fat: 0g – No artificial fats here.
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g – Heart-healthy and satisfying.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or lemon juice. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the salmon. The sauce can be made in advance and stored separately for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
A: Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Q: What’s the best substitute for fresh dill?
A: Parsley, tarragon, or dried dill can work in a pinch.

Q: Can I make the lemon butter ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store it in the fridge and reheat on low when ready to serve.

Q: What’s the best way to get a crispy salmon skin?
A: Dry the salmon thoroughly and sear skin-side down without moving it.

Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes and spoon the warmed sauce over before serving.

Q: What should I serve with it?
A: Light sides like herbed couscous, lemony greens, or roasted asparagus complement it beautifully.

Engage and Share

Tried this Seared Lemon Dill Salmon? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your tips, or tag your creation so others can get inspired. If you enjoyed this, you might also like:

• Lemon & Dill Salmon with Fermented Fennel Slaw
• Zesty Dill Salmon Patties
• Buttery “Marry Me” Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce