Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

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

Perfectly crispy-skinned salmon fillets topped with a bright, herbaceous lemon-dill sauce for a restaurant-quality dinner in 15 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, salt 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 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.

Prep: 10 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 2 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 non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and golden, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup sour cream, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the lemon-dill sauce over the salmon fillets and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Lemon-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 Lemon-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 Lemon-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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

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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