Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Dill Sauce
A simple yet elegant dish featuring perfectly crisp-skinned salmon with a bright, herbaceous sauce that complements the fish's natural richness. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30) ready in about 27 minutes blends salmon fillets, avocado oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 6 oz salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 6 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea salt. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet; cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip salmon, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and cook for 3 minutes until salmon reaches 125°F internally and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet, then stir 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 1 tsp lemon juice into the pan drippings for 1 minute until aromatic.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Dill Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Dill Sauce?
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 Garlic-Dill Sauce 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 Garlic-Dill Sauce 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
