Citrus-Cured Salmon with Dill and Cucumber
Salmon cured in a vibrant citrus marinade, paired with cool cucumber and fresh dill for a bright, elegant appetizer. This scandinavian-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs salmon fillet, lemon juice, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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 lb salmon fillet
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp dill
- 1 cucumber
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 lb salmon fillet, skin-on, in a shallow dish. Whisk 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 2 tbsp chopped dill in a bowl until combined.
- Step 2: Pour citrus mixture over salmon, ensuring it's fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Step 3: After curing, rinse salmon gently under cold water to remove excess juice, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 4: Thinly slice 1 cucumber into rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Step 5: Arrange salmon slices on a platter with cucumber rounds, drizzling with any remaining citrus sauce and topping with extra dill.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Cured Salmon with Dill and Cucumber take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Citrus-Cured Salmon with Dill and Cucumber?
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 salmon fillet from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Cured Salmon with Dill and Cucumber?
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 Citrus-Cured Salmon with Dill and Cucumber for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Citrus-Cured Salmon with Dill and Cucumber?
Scandinavian 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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
