Discover the ultimate Lemon Dill Baked Salmon recipe that promises a flaky, flavorful, and incredibly moist fish every single time. If you’re searching for a healthy, quick, and elegant meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests, you’ve found it. This dish combines the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon with the subtle, grassy notes of dill, creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked salmon forever.
This recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, relying on just a handful of fresh ingredients to create a truly memorable main course. We bake the salmon on parchment paper, which not only ensures it cooks perfectly but also makes cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you crave something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in under 20 minutes, this will quickly become your go-to salmon recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate, this entire meal comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s the definition of a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. This recipe uses clean, simple ingredients for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Full of Flavor: The classic combination of zesty lemon and fresh dill is a perfect match for the rich flavor of salmon. It’s a timeless pairing that never disappoints.
- Minimal Cleanup: Baking the salmon on parchment paper means you won’t be scrubbing a baking sheet later. Just toss the paper and you’re done!
- Perfectly Cooked: Following our precise temperature and timing guidelines guarantees moist, flaky salmon that flakes perfectly with a fork.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon Fillets: Look for 6-ounce center-cut salmon fillets with the skin on or off, depending on your preference. Wild-caught or sustainably farmed both work beautifully.
- Olive Oil: A quality extra-virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the salmon moist.
- Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is key for the best flavor. Its bright, slightly anise-like taste is essential.
- Fresh Lemon: You’ll use both the zest and juice for a multi-layered citrus flavor, plus thin slices to place on top.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base that complements the other ingredients.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, to season the fish and enhance all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Achieving a perfectly cooked Lemon Dill Baked Salmon is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step to ensure the surface seasons well and roasts beautifully.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, then rub it evenly over the entire surface of each fillet. Season well with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic.
- Add Lemon and Dill: Sprinkle the fresh dill and lemon zest over the salmon. Lay a few thin lemon slices on top of each fillet. This not only adds flavor as it bakes but also looks beautiful.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Be careful not to overcook it!
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for the Best Baked Salmon
- Don’t Overbake: The number one rule for salmon is to avoid overcooking. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. The fish should be opaque and flake easily. Carryover cooking will continue after you remove it from the oven, so it’s better to pull it slightly early.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While you can use dried dill in a pinch, fresh dill provides a much brighter and more aromatic flavor that truly elevates the dish.
- Pat the Salmon Dry: Don’t skip this step! A dry surface allows the olive oil and seasonings to adhere better and helps the outside of the fish to roast rather than steam.
- Uniform Thickness: If possible, choose salmon fillets that have a relatively uniform thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Variations to Try
- Add More Herbs: Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley or chives along with the dill.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
- Butter Instead of Oil: For a richer flavor, you can use melted butter instead of olive oil. A garlic butter sauce would also be fantastic.
- Add Vegetables: Turn this into a complete sheet pan meal by adding quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus spears or thinly sliced zucchini around the salmon. They’ll roast in about the same amount of time. If you love sheet pan meals, you should also try our Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken.
What to Serve with Your Salmon
This Lemon Dill Baked Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic and healthy meal, serve it with a side of steamed asparagus and fluffy quinoa. It’s also delicious with a fresh green salad, like this vibrant Greek Horiatiki Salad. For a more comforting meal, consider serving it alongside some delicious Roasted Fingerling Potatoes or a creamy pasta dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to warm it gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This low-and-slow method helps prevent it from drying out. You can also flake the cold leftover salmon and add it to salads or pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute dried dill if you don’t have fresh dill on hand. Use one-third of the amount called for, so for this recipe, you would use about 2 teaspoons of dried dill. However, fresh dill provides a much brighter, more robust flavor.
The best way to tell is by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Alternatively, the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can enjoy it cold on a salad or reheat it gently in a low-temperature oven to preserve its moisture.
You can do either! Baking with the skin on can help protect the salmon from drying out and adds flavor. The meat will easily separate from the skin once cooked. If you prefer no skin, you can use skinless fillets without changing the cooking time.
A temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal for baking salmon. It’s hot enough to cook the fish quickly so it doesn’t dry out, resulting in a moist and flaky fillet in just 12-15 minutes.
The Perfect Lemon Dill Baked Salmon Awaits
You’re now ready to create the most succulent and flavorful Lemon Dill Baked Salmon. This recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can produce an extraordinary meal. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below and share your creations with us on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow.
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon: The Perfect 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat all sides. Season with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.
- Sprinkle the fresh dill and lemon zest over the salmon. Top each fillet with a few thin lemon slices.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Use fresh dill and lemon for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
