Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Cauliflower Mash
Flaky salmon fillets baked with fresh herbs and served atop a velvety cauliflower purée for a restaurant-quality keto dinner. This mediterranean-inspired keto (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, medium, zested and juiced lemon, finely 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 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
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 medium, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large head (about 1 lb) cauliflower
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 2 salmon fillets dry, then rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Bake for 12-14 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While salmon cooks, steam 1 large head cauliflower (about 1 lb) until very tender (12-15 minutes). Drain well and transfer to a food processor.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the cauliflower. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 5: Spoon cauliflower mash onto a plate, place baked salmon on top, and drizzle with remaining lemon juice. Garnish with extra dill and lemon zest.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Cauliflower Mash 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 Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Cauliflower Mash?
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 Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Cauliflower Mash?
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 Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Cauliflower Mash 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.
Is Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Cauliflower Mash gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
