Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes
Perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with a bright lemon-dill sauce and sweet cherry tomatoes for a quick weeknight dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 (6 oz each) skin-on salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Place 4 (6 oz each) skin-on salmon fillets skin-side down in skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, until skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet with 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 tbsp butter and stir until melted. Pour sauce over salmon and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes?
American 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
