Lemon-Dill Salmon with Spring Pea Risotto
A vibrant, 25-minute dinner featuring pan-seared salmon and creamy risotto packed with fresh peas. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 finely diced shallot
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry, then season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook 2 minutes more until opaque.
- Step 2: Remove salmon to a plate, tented with foil. In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup dry white wine and 1 tbsp lemon juice; simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 3: While wine reduces, melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 cup arborio rice and cook for 1 minute until translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly after each addition until absorbed before adding more; cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy but al dente.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes until peas are heated through. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
- Step 6: Serve salmon over risotto, drizzling with reduced wine sauce and garnishing with extra dill.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Salmon with Spring Pea Risotto take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spring Pea Risotto?
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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Salmon with Spring Pea Risotto?
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 Spring Pea Risotto 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 Salmon with Spring Pea Risotto?
Mediterranean quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.