Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Cherry Tomatoes
Perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a bright dill and cherry tomato sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a dish that's both elegant and simple. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, olive oil, sliced into wedges lemon 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, sliced into wedges lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels and 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, or until skin is crispy and golden brown, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until opaque and flaky.
- Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. Pour in 1/4 cup white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
- Step 5: Return salmon to the skillet, spooning the tomato sauce over the top, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Cherry Tomatoes 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 Cherry Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
