Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Fennel

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

Flaky salmon fillets baked with fresh dill and lemon, accompanied by caramelized fennel for a bright, aromatic side. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Arrange salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each fillet with 1/4 cup sliced lemon and 1/2 tbsp fresh dill.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While salmon bakes, heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced fennel bulb and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender with slight caramelization.
  5. Step 5: Season fennel with a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  6. Step 6: Plate salmon with fennel beside it, drizzling pan juices over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Fennel 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 Salmon with Crispy Fennel?

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 Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Fennel?

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 Salmon with Crispy Fennel 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.

Is Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Fennel gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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