Baked Dill-Caper Salmon with Lemon
A perfectly moist salmon fillet with briny capers and fresh dill, baked to golden perfection with a citrusy finish. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (540g), skin-on salmon fillets, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.2 lbs (540g), skin-on salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons, rinsed capers
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over salmon and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 3: Scatter 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 2 tablespoons capers, and 4 lemon slices over salmon.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 5: Let rest 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Dill-Caper Salmon with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Dill-Caper Salmon with Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Dill-Caper Salmon with Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Dill-Caper Salmon with Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Dill-Caper Salmon with Lemon?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper. The flavors are balanced and elegant.
- ★★★★★
Perfectly cooked salmon with a burst of lemon. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh dill and capers! My family devoured it.