Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
A show-stopping whole salmon roasted with aromatic herbs and served with a creamy dill-lime sauce that complements the tender flesh. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean, whole30) ready in about 65 minutes blends chopped fresh dill, thinly sliced lemon, olive oil 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 520 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 1 (4-5 lb), head and tail removed, skin-on whole salmon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2, thinly sliced lemon
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1, juiced lime
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Rub 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp dried thyme into the skin side. Place 1 lemon slice on top, then fill the cavity with 1/2 cup fresh dill and remaining lemon slices.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down on a roasting pan. Drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 tsp salt. Roast for 40-45 minutes until the skin is crisp and salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Step 3: While salmon roasts, whisk heavy cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp fresh dill in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Serve with warm dill-lime sauce drizzled over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon-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 Herb-Roasted Whole 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 Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Herb-Roasted Whole Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better seafood dishes though.
