The crispy skin of the seared salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy tang of the lemon dill sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant worthy but comes together effortlessly in your own kitchen in less than 20 minutes.
With Greek yogurt as the base, this sauce feels light yet indulgent, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend dinner party where you want to impress without the stress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Seared Salmon:
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3 salmon filets (6–8 oz each), skin on
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1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
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Fresh cracked black pepper (a few twists per filet)
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Juice of 1 lemon (divided)
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
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Sprinkle of fresh chopped dill for garnish
For the Lemon Dill Sauce:
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
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1 garlic clove
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3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1/4 tsp garlic salt
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1/4 tsp onion powder
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1/3 cup fresh dill sprigs, lightly packed
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
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3-4 twists fresh cracked black pepper
Directions:
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In a food processor, blend all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside. If making ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container and remove 30 minutes before use.
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Pat salmon dry and lay skin-side down on a plate. Rub skin side with half of the olive oil. Season tops with remaining oil, salt, pepper, and juice from half the lemon.
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Heat a large cast iron or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add olive oil.
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Place salmon skin-side up and sear for 4 minutes. Lower heat slightly after 2 minutes if needed.
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Flip salmon gently with a thin spatula. Cook for another 4 minutes. After 2 minutes, drizzle remaining lemon juice over top.
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Salmon is done when it flakes easily. Remove from pan and plate immediately. Spoon lemon dill sauce generously over top. Garnish with fresh dill, salt, and pepper to taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 9 minutes | Total Time: 19 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 310 kcal | Servings: 3 servings
Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce: A Restaurant-Worthy Meal in Under 20 Minutes
Few dishes manage to strike the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity the way salmon does especially when seared to golden perfection and finished with a bright, herbaceous lemon dill sauce. This Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce recipe isn’t just a quick dinner option it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients, timeless flavors, and culinary techniques that elevate everyday cooking into something special.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or hosting guests on a warm summer evening, this dish delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. With just a few fresh ingredients and a couple of pro tips, you’ll have a flavorful, nutrient-rich dish that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite bistro.
The Magic of a Good Sear
The secret to any excellent seared salmon dish lies in the technique and it’s all about the pan. Using a hot cast iron or high quality nonstick skillet, combined with the right amount of olive oil, allows the salmon to develop that deeply flavorful, crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky. When the salmon hits the sizzling pan, it locks in moisture and creates a stunning texture contrast that’s hard to beat.
What makes this recipe so special is the duality of flavor and texture. The crisp skin provides just the right amount of crunch, while the buttery richness of the fish melts in your mouth. The slight charring adds a hint of smokiness that complements the brightness of the accompanying sauce.
Why Lemon and Dill?
Lemon and dill are a classic pairing for salmon and for good reason. Lemon brings acidity and brightness, helping to cut through the natural richness of the fish. Dill, with its grassy, slightly anise-like flavor, complements both the salmon and the citrus perfectly.
What elevates this sauce is the use of Greek yogurt and olive oil mayonnaise, which make it light and creamy without being heavy. The Greek yogurt offers tang and body, the olive oil adds silkiness, and the fresh dill infuses the entire mixture with garden-fresh flair. A bit of lemon zest brightens the sauce even more, while garlic and seasonings round it out with a savory base.
This isn’t just any lemon dill sauce it’s designed to be light, flavorful, and multifunctional. You’ll find yourself wanting to drizzle it over everything from roasted potatoes to grilled vegetables or even spoon it over grain bowls and salads.
Choosing the Right Salmon
The beauty of this dish also lies in its adaptability. Whether you choose wild-caught or farm-raised salmon, the key is freshness. Wild-caught salmon typically has a deeper red-orange hue and a more robust flavor, while farm-raised tends to be lighter in color and milder in taste. Both work well for this dish, depending on your personal preference.
Look for fillets that are firm to the touch, moist but not slimy, and free from any strong “fishy” odor. The size of the filet can also influence the dish larger 6- to 8-ounce portions are ideal for an entrée, while 4 ounce fillets can be served atop salads or grain bowls.
Timing Is Everything
One of the best things about this recipe is how fast it comes together. From pan to plate, you’re looking at less than 20 minutes. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
The sauce can even be made in advance up to a full day ahead which helps streamline the process even further. Just let it come to room temperature before serving so the olive oil emulsifies back into its creamy state.
When searing salmon, timing is crucial. Too little and you’ll miss out on the crisp exterior; too much and you risk drying out the fish. Aim for 3.5 to 4 minutes per side for average-thickness filets, and adjust slightly based on your stove and pan. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the color has lightened throughout.
Nutritional Balance on a Plate
This recipe doesn’t just taste good it’s good for you, too. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. The Greek yogurt in the sauce provides calcium and probiotics, while fresh dill adds antioxidants and supports digestion.
It’s a naturally gluten-free and low carb dish, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Paired with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or quinoa, it becomes a well-rounded, satisfying meal that leaves you feeling nourished without being weighed down.
Pairing and Presentation
Presentation plays a big role in the enjoyment of any meal, and this salmon dish is as photogenic as it is flavorful. The glistening, golden crust on the salmon contrasts beautifully with the pale green flecks of dill in the creamy sauce. A few lemon wedges and a fresh herb garnish are all you need to complete the plate.
In terms of pairings, this dish is incredibly versatile. For wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry Rosé will enhance the citrus and herbal notes without overpowering the salmon. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with cucumber and lemon slices or a chilled herbal tea like mint or chamomile.
For sides, consider:
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Roasted baby potatoes tossed with olive oil and sea salt
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A chilled cucumber and radish salad for freshness
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Sautéed asparagus or green beans with lemon zest
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Steamed jasmine rice with a pat of butter and dill
You can also break the salmon into chunks and serve it over a bed of arugula or spinach for an elegant entrée salad with a drizzle of the lemon dill sauce as dressing.
Ideal for Entertaining
This dish isn’t just weeknight-friendly it’s also perfect for entertaining. It scales well, allowing you to serve a table of four or more without significantly increasing your workload. The sauce can be made ahead of time, the salmon cooks quickly, and the flavors are refined enough to impress guests without requiring complex cooking skills.
In the spring and summer, serve this dish outdoors with chilled wine and seasonal vegetables. In cooler months, pair it with warm root vegetables and a cozy side of garlic mashed potatoes. It transitions effortlessly across seasons and occasions.
Conclusion:
If there’s one recipe to keep in your back pocket for life, Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce is it. It’s the type of meal that checks every box quick, healthy, elegant, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor with the simplicity of home cooking.
More than anything, it’s a recipe that invites personalization. Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Prefer a thicker consistency? Use full-fat yogurt. Craving a smoky finish? Try grilling the salmon instead.
Once you try it, it’s likely to become a staple in your kitchen not just for the flavor, but for the ease and joy it brings to the cooking process.