Herb and Dill Salmon with Lemon Butter

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

Pan-seared salmon seasoned with fresh dill and herbs, topped with a bright lemon butter sauce — a dish evoking the crisp, fresh air of Frozen’s icy fjords. This Nordic-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs fresh dill, finely chopped, fresh parsley, finely chopped, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Nordic cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and the fillet is golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove the salmon to a warm plate and reduce heat to medium-low. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet, swirling gently to melt and infuse the butter for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, then spoon the lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb and Dill Salmon with Lemon Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Herb and Dill Salmon with Lemon Butter?

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 Herb and Dill Salmon with Lemon Butter?

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 Herb and Dill Salmon with Lemon Butter 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 Herb and Dill Salmon with Lemon Butter?

Nordic 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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