Best Baked Salmon with Dill
A showstopping salmon dish with a crispy skin, herb-infused butter, and a lemony glaze that melts into the flesh. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, softened unsalted butter, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 4 oz, softened unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1, zested and juiced (2 tbsp) lemon
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 4 oz softened butter, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Spread the mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
- Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the top of the salmon. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the skin is crispy and the flesh is flaky and just cooked through.
- Step 4: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional dill and lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Baked Salmon with Dill take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Best Baked Salmon with Dill?
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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best Baked Salmon with Dill?
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 Best Baked Salmon with Dill 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 Best Baked Salmon with Dill?
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
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
