The Best Lemon-Dill Grilled Salmon
Perfectly seared salmon with a zesty lemon-dill glaze, making it the best healthy main course for any occasion. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes pairs (6 oz each) Salmon fillets, Lemon, Fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) Salmon fillets
- 1 Lemon
- 3 tbsp Fresh dill
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Step 2: Zest 1 lemon into a small bowl, then squeeze 2 tbsp juice. Finely chop 3 tbsp fresh dill and mix with 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, and juice until combined.
- Step 3: Brush the lemon-dill mixture evenly over salmon fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 4: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place salmon skin-side down (if skin is on) and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and easily releases from the pan.
- Step 5: Flip salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, with a slight pink center.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Best Lemon-Dill Grilled Salmon take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 The Best Lemon-Dill Grilled Salmon?
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 The Best Lemon-Dill Grilled Salmon?
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 The Best Lemon-Dill Grilled Salmon 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 The Best Lemon-Dill Grilled Salmon?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.