Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Yogurt Sauce

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

Salmon fillets pan-roasted until crispy-skinned, served with a refreshing yogurt sauce infused with lemon, orange, and fresh dill. This international-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillets with skin, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 International cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season the skin side and flesh side evenly with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper each.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin side down in the skillet and press gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve each salmon fillet topped with a generous dollop of the citrus dill yogurt sauce for a bright, creamy complement.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Yogurt Sauce?

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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Yogurt 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Yogurt 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus and Dill Yogurt Sauce?

International 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.

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