Mediterranean Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection with a vibrant sauce of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon, served alongside crisp-tender seasonal vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets, olive oil, salt 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1, sliced into rounds lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then 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. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Carefully flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and 1 tbsp lemon juice, stirring until combined. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill and cook for 1 minute until warmed through.
- Step 5: Return salmon to skillet, top with lemon slices, and serve immediately with the sauce drizzled over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Pan-Seared 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 Mediterranean Pan-Seared 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 Mediterranean Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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.
What goes well with Mediterranean Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
