Introduction
If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s easy, delicious, and feels like something from a fancy restaurant, then creamy lemon dill salmon is perfect for you. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with a smooth and flavorful sauce made of fresh dill, lemon juice, and cream.
The best part? You can make it in less than 30 minutes! It’s healthy, light, and pairs well with many sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this recipe will make everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients – Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make creamy lemon dill salmon.
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
For the Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra dill sprigs
- Lemon slices
Step-by-Step Process – Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the fillets.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin side down if they have skin.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the salmon and let it cook together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Garnish with extra dill and lemon slices.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but use only 1 teaspoon since it’s more concentrated in flavor.
Q2: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. You can bake the salmon at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, then prepare the sauce separately on the stove.
Q3: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. If you want a creamier texture without heavy cream, try half-and-half or add a little cream cheese.
Q4: How do I know when salmon is cooked?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Q5: What can I serve with creamy lemon dill salmon?
Some great options are steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Final Thoughts
Creamy lemon dill salmon is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of fresh dill, lemon, and creamy sauce gives the salmon a refreshing yet rich flavor.
It’s also versatile—you can make it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a meal that looks impressive and tastes amazing.
So next time you want something delicious, light, and satisfying, give this creamy lemon dill salmon a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
