Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter Sauce

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

Perfectly seared salmon fillets bathed in a bright lemon-dill butter sauce, served with crisp-tender green beans for a simple yet elegant dinner. This keto (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz) salmon fillets, unsalted butter, lemon 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 520 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 minutes until opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until butter is golden and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the butter sauce, then add 12 oz trimmed green beans. Toss to coat and cook for 5 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return salmon to the skillet, spooning the lemon-dill butter sauce over the top. Cook for 1 minute to reheat and meld flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Dill Butter 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 Lemon-Dill Butter 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 Lemon-Dill Butter 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 Lemon-Dill Butter Sauce gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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