Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Capers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Salmon fillets seared to crispy perfection, topped with a briny caper-dill finish that elevates the natural richness of the fish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, olive oil, rinsed capers 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 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving, until skin is crispy and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Immediately top with 1 tbsp rinsed capers and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Capers 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-Seared Salmon with Dill and Capers?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Capers?

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-Seared Salmon with Dill and Capers 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-Seared Salmon with Dill and Capers?

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.

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