Pan-Seared Salmon with Fresh Dill and Capers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly crisp-skinned salmon fillets paired with a bright dill-caper sauce that elevates a simple 15-minute dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 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 350 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.

★ 3.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, until skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet and transfer to plates. Stir 2 tbsp fresh dill and 1 tbsp capers into the skillet with pan juices, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: If using, add 1 tbsp lemon juice and stir to combine, then pour sauce over salmon immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Fresh 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 Fresh 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 Fresh 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 Fresh 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 Fresh 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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