Lemon Dill Salmon
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Baked salmon brightened with fresh lemon and dill. A light, healthy, fuss-free dinner that comes together on one pan in about 20 minutes.
By Mia HartwellUpdated September 19, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Bright lemon dill salmon in 20 minutes
- 34g of protein and only 3g of carbs per serving
- One pan and barely any cleanup
- Light, healthy, and gluten-free
Lemon Dill Salmon
22 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 340kcal
- Protein
- 34g
- Carbs
- 3g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Sugar
- 1g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- 2
Pat the salmon dry and place on the sheet. Whisk the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, dill, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Spoon the mixture over the salmon and top each fillet with a lemon slice.
- 4
Bake 12 to 16 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C).
- 5
Spoon the pan juices over the top and serve with extra dill.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh dill for the brightest flavor.
- Cook just to 145°F (63°C) so the salmon stays moist.
- Thicker fillets need a couple extra minutes, so check the thickest part.
- Lemon zest adds more aroma than juice alone.
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How to Cook Lemon Dill Salmon
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Make a bright marinade
Whisk olive oil with lemon, garlic, and plenty of fresh dill. This simple mixture both flavors the salmon and keeps it moist as it bakes, with the lemon zest carrying the brightest aroma.
Bake gently
Bake the salmon at a moderate heat just until it flakes and reaches 145°F (63°C). Salmon is lean and overcooks fast, so check the thickest part and pull it right at temperature.
Finish with the juices
Spoon the lemony pan juices over the salmon and add a little extra fresh dill. Those juices are full of flavor, so serve over rice or potatoes to soak them up.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Flake cold salmon into salads or grain bowls. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon dill salmon pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried dill?+
Yes, in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon dried in place of the fresh, though fresh dill is much brighter.
What sides go well?+
Rice, roasted potatoes, asparagus, or a simple green salad all pair nicely.
Can I grill it instead?+
Yes. Grill the seasoned fillets over medium heat to 145°F (63°C).
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