Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh salmon grilled on cedar planks with a bright lemon-dill sauce for a Pacific Northwest-inspired dinner. This Pacific Northwest-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, cedar planks, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Pacific Northwest cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Pat salmon fillets dry and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place soaked cedar planks on grill and place salmon on top, skin-side down. Grill covered for 12-15 minutes until salmon reaches 125°F internally and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: While salmon grills, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in heavy cream until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from planks, transfer to a plate, and drizzle with lemon-dill sauce. Serve immediately with grilled vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon-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 Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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 Cedar-Planked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Pacific Northwest 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.

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