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Lemon Dill Salmon

Lemon Dill Salmon

Lemon Dill Salmon is a fresh and flavorful dish combining the bright zest of lemon with fragrant dill, creating a juicy, tender salmon perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it highlights the natural richness of salmon with a simple, nutritious, and versatile recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), wild-caught preferred
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade that will keep the salmon moist and infused with bright herbaceous notes.
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well coated. Let the salmon soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour if time allows, to deepen the flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat Your Oven or Pan: If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If cooking on the stove, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and help crisp the exterior.
  4. Cook the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly in the skillet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or pan-sear for 4-5 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to plates and garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs and thin lemon slices. Serve immediately with your choice of light sides for a bright, elegant meal.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcooking to maintain moist and flaky salmon.
  • Use fresh dill for optimal brightness; if using dried, reduce quantity by half.
  • Marinate for no longer than 1 hour to prevent the lemon juice from ‘cooking’ the fish.
  • Allow salmon to rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon dill salmon, baked salmon, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, fresh herb salmon