Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Crust and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Salmon fillets with a herbed dill crust, roasted with sweet cherry tomatoes and capers. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs (6 ounces each), skin-on salmon fillets, tablespoons, fresh, finely chopped dill, thinly sliced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 12 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon skin dry with paper towels and season skin side with 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down, pressing gently, and cook undisturbed for 6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon, add cherry tomatoes, capers, minced garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Scatter 1 tablespoon fresh dill and lemon slices over salmon.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 8 minutes until salmon is medium and easily flakes with a fork. Rest 3 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Crust and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (12 min prep + 14 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 Crust 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 thinly sliced lemon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Crust 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 Crust and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Crust 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.

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