Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a bright citrus-herb finish, ready in under 20 minutes. This seafood-inspired seafood (low-carb, high-protein) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, (zest of 1/2, juice of 1 tbsp) lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Seafood cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets (each 6 oz) dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and lightly smoking.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden-brown.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 125°F (medium-rare), with flesh just opaque at the center.
  5. Step 5: While salmon cooks, zest 1/2 of a lemon into a small bowl and squeeze in 1 tbsp lemon juice. Add 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, and stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Transfer salmon to plates, drizzle with lemon-dill sauce, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill 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 Zest and Fresh Dill?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Zest and Fresh Dill?

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 Zest and Fresh Dill 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 Zest and Fresh Dill low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, 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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