Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Sautéed Green Beans
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill sauce and tender green beans, ready in under 30 minutes. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, trimmed green beans, olive oil 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets
- 12 oz, trimmed green beans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1, zested and juiced (2 tbsp juice) lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (optional) white wine
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy; flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 3: Remove salmon, then add 1 tbsp butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet over medium heat, sautéing 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz trimmed green beans to the skillet, season with a pinch of salt, and cook 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 2 tbsp white wine (if using). Simmer 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Sautéed Green Beans take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sauce and Sautéed Green Beans?
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 Sauce and Sautéed Green Beans?
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 and Sautéed Green Beans 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 Lemon-Dill Sauce and Sautéed Green Beans?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.