Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Butter Sauce

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets topped with a rich dill and lemon butter sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a simple yet elegant keto meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (high-protein) ready in about 22 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon 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 420 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until opaque and easily flaked.
  3. Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Whisk in 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice over low heat until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour sauce over salmon fillets and garnish with extra dill. Serve immediately with steamed asparagus.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Butter 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 Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Butter 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 Lemon-Dill Salmon with Herb Butter Sauce 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 Herb Butter Sauce high-protein?

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

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