Name: Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped); 1 lemon (thinly sliced); Salt and black pepper to taste

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Imagine a dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes, feels like something you’d order at your favorite bistro, yet is so healthy and simple you’ll want to make it every week. That’s exactly what you get with Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill. Each bite of this dish bursts with bright citrus, delicate herbs, and tender, flaky salmon, making it perfect for impressing guests or turning a regular night into something special. If you’re looking for a foolproof, flavorful way to serve salmon, this is it!

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is using just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every one of them pulls its weight, whether adding richness, brightness, savoriness, or a pop of color to the final dish.

Salmon fillets: Look for skin-on, center-cut fillets for moist, perfectly cooked fish that holds together well.
Olive oil: Keeps the salmon moist and adds a subtle richness without overpowering.
Fresh lemon juice: Infuses the fish with bright, zesty flavor that perfectly balances its richness.
Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tangy complexity and helps the lemon mixture cling to the fillets.
Garlic (minced): Boosts the overall savoriness and provides that irresistibly aromatic touch.
Fresh dill (chopped): Offers an aromatic, grassy note that’s a classic with both salmon and lemon.
Lemon (thinly sliced): Not only looks beautiful, but also infuses the salmon with extra citrus oils as it bakes.
Salt and black pepper: Brings all the flavors together and enhances every ingredient.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This not only keeps the salmon from sticking but also makes lifting it off the pan a breeze. A little prep work here goes a long way toward making the rest of the dish feel effortless.

Step 2: Whisk the Flavorful Lemon Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Give it a good whisk so the mustard emulsifies everything together into a glossy, aromatic blend. This mixture is the flavor backbone of your Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill — trust me, you’ll want to drizzle every drop.

Step 3: Arrange the Salmon Fillets

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This ensures even cooking and allows the heat to circulate so each fillet bakes to flaky perfection.

Step 4: Brush and Season

Brush each salmon fillet generously with the lemon mixture, making sure to coat the top and sides. Sprinkle the fillets with salt, black pepper, and a shower of chopped dill for that signature herbal note. Top each piece with a thin lemon slice, which not only looks beautiful but infuses the fish with extra citrusy aroma as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is done when it flakes easily with a fork and registers an internal temperature of 145°F. The salmon should remain moist and tender, with just a hint of translucence in the very center.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if you like. Every bite is a celebration of vibrant citrus, fresh dill, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Garnishes

To keep things fresh and beautiful, add a sprinkling of extra chopped dill and a few lemon wedges on the side. Not only do these garnishes echo the flavors in the dish, but they also make the plate pop with color and invite everyone to squeeze a bit more lemon over their salmon if they wish.

Side Dishes

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a wholesome, vibrant meal, try serving it with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a crisp green salad. If you’re feeling extra hungry, a mound of herbed rice or creamy mashed potatoes turns this into pure comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with presentation! Arrange the salmon fillets on a bed of greens or spiralized zucchini for a light, restaurant-worthy presentation. For gatherings, you can serve smaller fillets or even break them up onto crostini for a stunning appetizer platter. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is always a showstopper, no matter how you choose to serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. It’s fantastic cold over salads the next day, so leftovers never go to waste!

Freezing

You can freeze baked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This keeps them tasting great, whether you’re planning ahead or saving some for later.

Reheating

To reheat, place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until just heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but gentle reheating in the oven preserves the texture best so your Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill stays moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

You can substitute dried dill in a pinch, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Fresh dill truly gives Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill its signature aroma and brightness, so use it whenever possible for the best results.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

No worries! You can swap in whole grain mustard or even a mild yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand. Dijon brings a subtle tang and complexity, but the recipe is flexible enough to work with similar types.

Can I make this with a whole side of salmon instead of fillets?

Absolutely. Arrange the whole side of salmon on your baking sheet, layer on the lemon mixture, season, and bake. Extend the baking time slightly (usually to about 18–20 minutes), and check for flakiness in the thickest part before serving.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The easiest way to tell is with a fork—the salmon should flake easily and be just opaque in the center. For precision, use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Is Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s, low in carbs and sugar, and naturally gluten-free and pescatarian-friendly. It’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated or unhealthy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, you simply have to try Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill. It’s become one of my personal favorites, and I just know it will be a bright spot on your dinner table too!

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill recipe is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic dill, and tender salmon creates a delightful main course that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Marinade:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
1 lemon (thinly sliced)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
Coat the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush each fillet with the lemon mixture and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
Bake the salmon: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Serve: Serve warm with additional lemon wedges if desired.