Zesty Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon Recipe to Brighten Your Table

Seafood lovers unite over this mouthwatering lemon-dill salmon that promises pure culinary magic.

The delicate salmon infused with zesty lemon and fresh dill creates a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings blend seamlessly with the rich, flaky fish, making every bite an elegant experience.

Tender and succulent, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort.

Bright herbs and citrusy notes complement the salmon natural richness, ensuring a light yet satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions will sparkle with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this salmon transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon Goodness

• Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon offers rich, buttery flavor with tender texture and omega-3 benefits, choose fresh or thawed fillets with vibrant color and firm flesh.

• Shallot, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds depth of flavor, select firm shallots without soft spots and fresh garlic with tight, unbroken skin.
• Dill: Delicate herb providing bright, tangy notes that complement seafood perfectly, choose fresh sprigs with vivid green color and crisp leaves.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances natural salmon flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for most intense taste.
• Olive Oil: Creates perfect sear and adds subtle fruity undertone, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for creamy sauce, select unsalted for better flavor control.
• Flour: Thickening agent that creates silky sauce texture, all-purpose works wonderfully.
• Half-and-Half: Delivers luxurious creaminess and balanced richness, full-fat version recommended.
• Chicken Broth: Adds subtle depth and complexity to sauce, low-sodium preferred for controlling salt levels.
• Lemon: Brings bright, zesty freshness, select firm lemons with smooth, glossy skin for maximum juice and zest.

Cooking Tools to Make Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for searing salmon and making sauce.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise chopping of shallots, garlic, and dill.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Grater: Small tool for zesting lemon.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring sauce and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.

Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon – Easy Instruction Guide

• Kitchen Prep

Gather fresh salmon, zesty lemons, fragrant dill, and creamy dairy ingredients. Clear a clean workspace and select your favorite skillet for cooking.

• Salmon Searing

Heat olive oil in a skillet and gently place salmon fillets, creating a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. Season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.

• Sauce Creation

Lower the heat and add butter to the same pan. Sauté delicate shallots and garlic until they release their aromatic essence. Sprinkle flour to thicken, then pour in smooth half-and-half and savory broth.

• Flavor Infusion

Introduce bright lemon zest, tangy juice, and delicate dill to the creamy sauce. Gently return salmon to the pan, allowing it to bathe in the luxurious mixture for a few moments.

• Elegant Serving

Transfer the salmon to a beautiful plate, drizzling the rich sauce over the top. Garnish with soft lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Flavorful Tips for Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon

• Swap salmon with other delicate fish like cod or halibut for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Replace dill with fresh chives, tarragon, or parsley to create unique aromatic combinations that complement the salmon's richness.
• Pat salmon fillets completely dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning the fish.
• Thin the sauce with extra broth if too thick, or simmer longer to reduce and thicken if too runny, ensuring a smooth and silky texture.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or asparagus during the sauce-making stage to increase the dish's nutritional density and create a more complete meal.

Serving Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon With Style

• Pair with Zesty Greens: Toss a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to complement the rich salmon.
• Serve with Creamy Risotto: Create a smooth, herb-infused risotto as a luxurious side that matches the salmon's elegant flavor profile.
• Accompany with Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle tender asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and roast until slightly charred for a perfect vegetable pairing.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic bread to soak up the delicious lemon-dill sauce, adding texture and extra enjoyment to the meal.

Keeping Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon Tasty Later

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Carefully wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, maintaining quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Caution: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying, bringing back the dish's original moisture and flavor.
• Maximize Freshness: Keep sauce and fish separate when storing to maintain the best texture, combining them just before reheating for optimal taste and consistency.

Silky Lemon-Dill Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Light and zesty Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon emerges as a delightful seafood dish perfect for elegant dinners. Herbal notes complement succulent salmon, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can savor with minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

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• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skinless or skin-on
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small shallot
• ¼ small bunch fresh dill
• 1 large lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Prep Work: Mince shallots, crush garlic, zest lemon, and chop fresh dill into fine, uniform pieces.
2. Salmon Seasoning: Generously coat salmon fillets with kosher salt and black pepper on both surfaces, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until achieving a golden-brown crust.
4. Cooking Completion: Flip salmon and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F, ensuring perfect doneness.
5. Sauce Foundation: Remove salmon and retain pan drippings. Reduce heat, melt butter, and sauté shallots and garlic until translucent and aromatic.
6. Roux Creation: Dust flour over aromatics, stirring continuously to develop a smooth, golden base without scorching.
7. Liquid Integration: Gradually whisk half-and-half and chicken broth into the pan, creating a velvety, lump-free sauce.
8. Flavor Enhancement: Fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill, distributing herbs evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
9. Final Assembly: Return salmon to skillet, bathe in sauce for 1-2 minutes to reheat and infuse flavors. Plate with abundant sauce and garnish with delicate lemon slices.

Notes

• Nail Perfect Salmon Searing: Ensure skillet is properly heated to create a golden-brown crust without overcooking, which prevents dry and tough fish texture.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk constantly while adding liquids to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the salmon beautifully.
• Temperature Control Is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check salmon’s internal temperature, stopping cooking at 145°F to maintain juicy, tender flesh.
• Fresh Herb Flavor Boost: Add chopped dill and lemon zest at the end of cooking to preserve bright, aromatic qualities and prevent herb wilting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg