Dill Lemon Salmon

The priority at every single magazine I’ve worked at (and I mean every one—Cuisine at Home, Eating Well, Midwest Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Allrecipes, etc.) is and always has been quick weeknight dinners.

The challenge is always this: how do you create a quick dinner, with few ingredients, that delivers big flavor? And this recipe is a masterclass in nailing all three of those requirements. The ingredient literally couldn’t be shorter. The process is simple. And the flavor is like something you could expect from a restaurant.

I make this salmon recipe at least once a month because I usually have everything all on hand—the only thing I need to grab is the salmon (unless I have that stashed in the freezer as well). So it’s definitely a “regular rotation” kind of meal.

The main flavors of the recipe are classic for salmon and pair with all kinds of side dishes like my Sour Cream Potato Salad or Green Beans and Smashed Potatoes.

But the thing I love most about this recipe is it’s crazy versatile. Use whatever herbs you have on hand. The one key step that can’t be changed is the mayonnaise that gets brushed over the salmon. It flavors the fish and keeps it moist (not dry!).

Try this recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Then the next time you need a salmon recipe be sure to come back because I’ve got an insane amount of salmon recipes on the site. (Obsessed? Maybe a little.☺️)

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This recipe article was originally published in June of 2023, it has since been updated with helpful tips, ingredient notes and a video for guaranteed success.

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Ingredients for Salmon with Dill Recipe

Just a few simple ingredients is all you need. Jump to the recipe card for full measurements.

• Salmon: you can use 4 separate fillets of salmon or bake one large fillet. Either works well, though I tend to enjoy using individual, thick fillets.
  • Whole Fillet: I recommend using a farm-raised fillet of salmon since they tend to be thicker.
  • Wild-caught: the fish will cook much faster, so keep an eye on it and start checking on it after 8 minutes. 

• Mayonnaise: I like the flavor of olive oil mayonnaise, but you can use whatever mayonnaise you have on hand! 

• Dill: fresh dill is one of the key ingredients here! If you’re in a pinch, a tablespoon of dried dill will work. Parsley, basil or tarragon are all great options as well.

• Shallot: one small minced shallot is all you need here. For something a bit more mild, you can use minced scallions (green onions) or even chives. 

• Lemon: minced lemon zest is added to the mayo sauce while the lemon itself gets cut into wedges to be squeezed over the fish right before serving. 

How to Make Lemon and Dill Salmon

This is an overview of the recipe. Jump to the recipe card for the full printable recipe.

1. Make the mayonnaise mixture by combining the mayonnaise, dill, shallot, lemon zest and a pinch of salt and pepper. 

2. Assemble the salmon fillets by arranging them skin-side down on a greased baking sheet. Pat the fish dry with paper towels then season with salt and pepper. Spread the mayonnaise sauce over the salmon fillet(s). 

3. Bake the salmon in a preheated 350ºF (177ºC) oven and bake until it easily flakes with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 125ºF (this is my favorite thermometer). Depending on the thickness of the fillet(s) this can take anywhere from 8 minutes to 20 minutes. 

4. Garnish the cooked fish with toasted breadcrumbs (this is totally optional) and a sprinkling of fresh dill. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve immediately.

Storage

If you’ve purchased fresh salmon and don’t intend on cooking it right away, make sure you know how to store it properly!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Use leftovers to make a sandwiche (like my salmon BLT), flaked over a leafy salad, or in my salmon salad.

What to Serve with Lemon Dill Salmon

There’s just something about a hunk of Cornbread made with whole-wheat flour that feels *right* alongside salmon. But you can’t go wrong with an Orzo Pasta Salad.

Add a shaved Fennel Salad or Green Goddess Salad on the side and you’ve got a complete meal!

If you like this recipe leave a comment and star rating below! Then the next time you’re craving salmon, give this Lemon Butter Salmon a try. It’s a bit more in-depth but is elegant dinning at home.