Try This Zesty Baked Salmon With Lemon And Dill Recipe Tonight

Succulent baked salmon changes simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that delights seafood enthusiasts.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across tender fish fillets, promising a nutritious and elegant dining experience.

Delicate herbs and zesty citrus create an aromatic profile that elevates this classic protein.

Fresh ingredients harmonize to produce a light yet satisfying meal that feels simultaneously gourmet and accessible.

Home cooks can easily master this technique, which requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor impact.

Minimal seasonings unlock remarkable taste potential, highlighting the salmon natural richness and buttery texture.

Nutritionists praise this dish for its heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein content.

Baked Salmon That Bursts with Citrus and Herbs

• Burst with Zesty Flavors: Lemon and dill create a bright, tangy combination that transforms ordinary salmon into a mouthwatering dish bursting with fresh Mediterranean-inspired tastes.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, allowing home cooks to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes with basic kitchen skills.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Salmon delivers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the herb-infused sauce and fresh salsa add extra nutrients and vibrant textures that make healthy eating delightfully delicious.
• Quick and Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for weeknight meals or elegant dinner parties, this salmon recipe adapts easily to different serving styles and impresses guests with minimal cooking complexity.

What Goes Into a Perfectly Moist Filet

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon with rich flavor and omega-3 benefits, best when bright and firm.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates moisture for even cooking.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and tangy complexity to the salmon's marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and tenderizes the fish with its natural acidity.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the salmon's natural taste.
• Dried Dill: Provides herbal notes that complement the fish perfectly.

• Sour Cream: Creamy base that adds richness and tanginess to the sauce.
• Fresh Dill: Provides bright, aromatic herb flavor for the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the creamy sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasoning to adjust the sauce's overall taste.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, sweet component that adds color and brightness.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, crisp flavor to balance the salmon.
• Fresh Dill: Herb that ties the salsa to the overall dish's flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy freshness to the salsa.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings to enhance the salsa's flavor.

How to Bake Without Drying the Fish

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

In a 9×13 baking dish, blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and selected seasonings. Thoroughly coat salmon by dragging it through the marinade, ensuring even coverage.

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Seasonings

Let salmon rest at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Create Dill Sauce

Whisk all dill sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Refrigerate until serving.

• Dill sauce components
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Craft Fresh Salsa

Combine all salsa ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.

• Salsa components

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Set oven temperature to 400°F.

Step 5: Bake Salmon

Place salmon in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on salmon thickness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate salmon with prepared dill sauce and salsa. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for a Bright and Balanced Finish

• Marinate Masterfully: Let salmon sit in the marinade for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and ensure a more tender, juicy result.
• Check Doneness Perfectly: Use a fork to test salmon's readiness; it should flake easily and appear opaque throughout without any translucent sections.
• Temperature Precision: Keep oven temperature consistent at 400°F and avoid overcooking by monitoring salmon closely during the 12-15 minute baking window.
• Fresh Ingredient Magic: Select fresh dill and use recently squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant taste profile in both sauce and marinade.
• Serving Sensation: Drizzle extra fresh lemon juice just before serving to elevate the salmon's natural flavors and add a zesty finishing touch.

Storage Tips for Keeping Fish Flaky

• Storing Leftovers
• Wrap cooked salmon tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Method
• Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F to prevent drying out. Cover the fish with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Alternatively, use the microwave on low power in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Freezing Option
• Freeze plain baked salmon in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid refreezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Lemon-Dill Salmon

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complement the salmon's delicate flavor, cutting through the richness while enhancing the lemon and dill notes.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa with fresh herbs mirrors the recipe's bright, fresh profile and provides a nutritious base that doesn't overpower the salmon's delicate taste.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: A cucumber and arugula salad with light citrus vinaigrette echoes the recipe's lemony profile, adding refreshing crunch and complementary tangy elements to the dish.
• Match with Chilled Sparkling Water: A mineral-rich sparkling water with fresh lemon slice cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the salmon's delicate seasoning and providing a crisp, refreshing accompaniment.

Flavor Twists for Salmon Enthusiasts

• Herb Garden Salmon: Replace dill with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version. The herb mixture adds complexity and freshness to the salmon's flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap balsamic vinegar with Cajun seasoning and add red pepper flakes for a bold, zesty kick. This variation brings a Southern-style heat that transforms the original recipe's mild taste.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon: Substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar and add grated ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an East Asian culinary experience that elevates the fish's natural richness.

Baked Salmon With Lemon And Dill Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired salmon promises a delightful culinary journey with zesty lemon and fragrant dill. Succulent fish emerges perfectly seasoned, delivering restaurant-quality elegance that brings coastal flavors directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon:

• 4 (6 ounces/170 grams) wild salmon fish fillets OR 1 wild Alaskan salmon fillet

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Dill Sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (nonfat)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (nonfat)
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill
• 1 minced garlic clove OR ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Greek Salsa (optional):

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 3 tablespoons kalamata olives (or regular), halved
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• 2–3 tablespoons crumbled feta
• ½–1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, minced OR pinch of red pepper flakes
• ½ tablespoon chopped dill
• 1 min

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and selected seasonings in a spacious 9 x 13 inches (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish.
2. Gently submerge the salmon fillets into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage by dragging each piece through the liquid mixture.
3. Meticulously brush any remaining marinade onto the salmon’s surface, maximizing flavor infusion.
4. Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for up to 30 minutes, permitting the marinade to penetrate the fish while preparing accompanying sauces.
5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
6. Prepare the dill sauce by whisking together ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, adjusting seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Refrigerate the dill sauce to enhance flavor melding.
8. Compose the fresh salsa by combining all designated ingredients in a separate medium bowl.
9. Refrigerate the salsa to allow flavors to harmonize.
10. Position the marinated salmon in a single layer within the baking dish.
11. Roast the salmon for approximately 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the fish flakes effortlessly with a fork and reaches desired doneness.
12. Plate the salmon and generously accompany with prepared dill sauce and salsa.
13. Enhance the dish’s brightness by garnishing with additional freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Notes

• Marinate salmon in a zesty blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice for maximum flavor infusion.
• Room temperature resting allows seasonings to penetrate deeply, enhancing the salmon’s natural taste.
• Precise 400°F baking ensures perfectly cooked, flaky salmon without drying out the delicate fish.
• Homemade dill sauce and fresh salsa elevate this dish from simple to restaurant-quality in minutes.
• Check salmon’s doneness by gently flaking with a fork; it should easily separate when fully cooked.
• Squeeze extra fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg