Baked lemon dill salmon is one of those dinners that feels elegant but is incredibly simple to prepare. Fresh dill, lemon, and garlic bring brightness to the salmon while the oven keeps the fillets tender and flaky.
Why You'll Love It
- Simple Ingredients: This lemon dill salmon recipe uses everyday ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh dill to create a flavorful meal without complicated preparation.
- Easy Oven Method: This baked lemon dill salmon cooks quickly in the oven, making it a simple dinner you can prepare even on busy weeknights.
- Fresh and Balanced Flavor: Lemon and dill bring a bright, clean flavor that balances the richness of the salmon and keeps the dish feeling light.
- Versatile Dinner Option: Baked salmon with lemon and dill pairs well with many sides, from roasted potatoes to fresh salads, making it an easy recipe to fit into different meals.
Salmon is naturally rich, so pairing it with lemon and dill creates a balance that feels fresh and light. This baked lemon dill salmon recipe is perfect for an easy dinner that looks beautiful on the table. This dish works for a quick weeknight meal but is also nice enough to serve when friends come over.
I started baking salmon with lemon and dill when I wanted an easy way to keep it tender. Baking keeps it simple, while olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and dill gently flavor the salmon as it cooks. The result is juicy salmon that flakes easily with a fork. It's the kind of simple cooking approach I use in recipes like shrimp scampi and baked cod.
What I like most about this lemon dill salmon recipe is how simple and dependable it is. Fresh lemon and dill keep it bright, while garlic and olive oil give the salmon a gentle savory richness. Sometimes I add a spoonful of creamy dill sauce on the side because it adds another layer of flavor. The flavors remind me of dishes like tomato bruschetta, where simple ingredients create a dish that feels light and vibrant.
Key Ingredients in Baked Lemon Dill Salmon
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.
- Salmon Fillets: I like using salmon fillets for this recipe because they bake quickly and stay tender in the oven. When fillets are similar in size, they cook evenly, making the dish easy and reliable.
- Olive Oil, Garlic, and Lemon Juice: I use olive oil to keep the salmon moist, fresh garlic adds savory flavor, and lemon juice brings the brightness.
- Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is one of my favorite ingredients here because it gives the salmon that classic herby flavor. It works so well with lemon and makes the whole dish smell amazing as it bakes.
- Salt and Black Pepper: I keep the seasoning simple with salt and black pepper so the flavor of the salmon, lemon, and dill can really stand out.
How to Make Baked Lemon Dill Salmon
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Make the Lemon Dill Mixture: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill.
2. Season and Arrange the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper, then place them in the prepared baking pan.
3. Coat the Salmon: Pour the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets so the surface is well coated.
4. Bake Until Tender and Flaky: Bake in a preheated oven to 410°F / 210°C (375°F convection / 190°C fan)for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the center is just opaque.
My Tips for Lemon Dill Salmon
Choose Similar-Sized Fillets: I try to use salmon fillets that are roughly the same thickness so they bake evenly.
Let the Salmon Rest Briefly: I like to let the baked lemon dill salmon rest for a minute or two after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to settle back into the fish so the fillets stay moist and flaky when served.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in this lemon dill salmon recipe. The flavor is brighter and cleaner than bottled lemon juice, which helps balance the richness of the salmon.
Storage
If you have leftovers, I store the baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's great the next day flaked into salads, grain bowls, or even tucked into sandwiches.
What to Serve with Baked Lemon Dill Salmon
This easy baked salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bright flavor. I often serve baked lemon dill salmon with roasted potatoes, a cucumber salad, or a tomato burrata salad. Garlic bread or warm ciabatta also works nicely for soaking up the flavorful juices from the pan.
Try These Salmon Recipes Next!
Recipe
Baked Lemon Dill Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets - about 6 oz / 170 g each
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill - chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon - thinly sliced for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 410°F / 210°C (375°F convection / 190°C fan) and lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each) with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then place the seasoned fillets in the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Pour the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets so the surface is well coated.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the center is just opaque.
- Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest briefly before serving. Spoon the juices from the pan over the salmon if you like.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
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