Best Ever Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a bright dill sauce that elevates this dish to the very best of weeknight seafood meals. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends skin-on salmon fillets, finely chopped dill, juiced lemon into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 6 oz, skin-on salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped dill
- 1/2, juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 6 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until crisp, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky.
- Step 3: Remove salmon and keep warm. Add 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1/2 lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped dill, simmering for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Ever Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Best Ever Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best Ever Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce?
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 Ever Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Ever Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
