Pan-Seared Salmon with Fresh Dill
Salmon fillets with crispy skin and a bright dill finish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This american-inspired seafood (whole30) ready in about 18 minutes pairs (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each, skin-on) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh, chopped dill
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season skin-side with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip salmon, cook 3-4 minutes until opaque and flakes easily. Remove from pan, then top with 1 tbsp fresh dill and 1 tsp lemon juice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Fresh Dill take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Fresh Dill?
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 Fresh Dill?
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 Fresh Dill 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.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Fresh Dill whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
