Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill

Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill is one of those easy dinner recipes that feels fresh, light, and comforting all at once. Tender salmon fillets are baked with bright lemon slices, garlic, and fragrant dill for a simple meal that tastes restaurant-worthy without much effort. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or a cozy family dinner. The buttery citrus flavor pairs beautifully with flaky salmon, while the oven does most of the work. If you need a reliable seafood recipe that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better, this one is always a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
• Light, fresh flavors that work year-round
• Great for healthy dinners and meal prep
• Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
• Naturally low carb and high in protein
• Easy enough for beginners but elegant for guests

Ingredients Needed

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Dill Flavor

• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional Garnishes

• Extra fresh dill
• Lemon wedges
• Cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down in the baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
5. Top each fillet with fresh lemon slices.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use salmon fillets of similar size so they cook evenly.
• Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the salmon moist and tender.
• Patting the salmon dry helps the seasoning stick better.
• For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 15 minutes before baking.
• A meat thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest part.

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap dill for parsley or fresh thyme.
• Use lime slices instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of paprika for mild smoky flavor.
• Replace butter with extra olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Try honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
• Use whole salmon sides for holiday meals or gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted asparagus or green beans.
• Pair with rice pilaf or buttery mashed potatoes.
• Add a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
• Spoon over pasta with extra lemon butter sauce.
• Enjoy with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, wrap cooled salmon tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the salmon from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw the salmon completely and pat dry before baking for the best texture.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can season the salmon a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What type of salmon works best?

Atlantic salmon, sockeye, and coho salmon all work well in this recipe.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the butter with olive oil.

Do I bake salmon covered or uncovered?

Bake uncovered so the salmon develops better texture and flavor.

platehacks

Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill

Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill is a light, fresh, and flavorful seafood dinner made with tender salmon fillets baked in a buttery lemon garlic sauce with fresh dill. This easy recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or elegant family meals.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 365

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

• baking dish
• parchment paper optional
• mixing bowl
• measuring spoons
• paper towels

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down in the baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
5. Top each fillet with fresh lemon slices.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Use salmon fillets of similar size for even cooking. Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but dried dill can be substituted if needed. Avoid overbaking to keep the salmon moist and flaky. For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 15 minutes before baking. Internal temperature should reach 145°F. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or salad.