Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Dill Sauce

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

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 pairs salmon fillets, avocado oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet; cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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). 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 Garlic-Dill Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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.

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