Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe That’s Creamy and Bright

Salmon delicate flavor refines into a culinary masterpiece with this creamy lemon-dill salmon preparation that promises a symphony of elegant tastes.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside rich, velvety textures to create a harmonious dining experience.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this seafood dish beyond ordinary preparations, introducing sophisticated yet approachable elements.

Fresh herbs infuse each tender morsel with vibrant, aromatic complexity that awakens the palate.

Simple ingredients merge into an impressive meal that looks and tastes like a professional chef crafted it.

The combination of tangy lemon and delicate dill perfectly complements the salmon natural richness, creating balanced and memorable flavors.

Elegant yet straightforward, this recipe offers a delightful solution for impressive weeknight dinners or special celebrations.

What Makes Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon So Refreshing

• Effortless Gourmet Experience: This salmon recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required, making elegant dining accessible for home cooks.
• Bursting with Bright Flavors: The combination of zesty lemon, fresh dill, and creamy sauce creates a vibrant, tangy profile that elevates the delicate salmon, offering a refreshing taste sensation.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: With just one pan and approximately 20 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe delivers a delicious, nutritious meal perfect for busy families seeking a fast yet impressive dinner solution.

Ingredients List for Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor and texture for this dish.

• Shallot, Garlic: Provide a subtle, sweet base flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Dill: Fresh herb that adds bright, tangy notes complementing the salmon.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy brightness and helps balance the rich cream sauce.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and provide a smooth consistency.
• Half-and-Half: Adds creamy, luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps create a balanced sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the salmon with a high smoke point.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
• Lemon Slices: Garnish that adds visual appeal and extra citrus freshness.

How to Cook Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon with Ease

Step 1: Prep Flavor Boosters

Finely chop shallot, mince garlic cloves, grate lemon zest, and chop fresh dill. These small steps will create an explosion of flavor in your dish.

Step 2: Sear Salmon to Perfection

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook salmon, flipping once, until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

• Chopped shallot
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle flour and stir to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in half-and-half and broth, whisking to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce with Bright Flavors

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Chopped dill

Gently return salmon to the pan and let it simmer briefly to absorb the sauce’s incredible flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salmon, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for an extra pop of citrus. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Tips to Balance Lemon, Dill, and Creaminess

• Master Salmon Searing: Pat salmon dry before cooking to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Prevent Sauce Lumps: Whisk flour gradually into butter, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux without clumping.
• Optimize Herb Freshness: Add fresh dill at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, delicate flavor and vibrant green color.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat for searing and lower heat when simmering to prevent overcooking the delicate fish.
• Enhance Sauce Consistency: Let sauce simmer gently to thicken naturally, stirring occasionally to maintain a silky, creamy texture without breaking.

Best Storage Tips for Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Gently: Warm salmon in a skillet over low heat or microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth or half-and-half to maintain moisture and creamy texture.
• Avoid Repeated Reheating: Warm only the portion you plan to eat immediately. Multiple reheating cycles can degrade flavor and texture, making the salmon tough and less appetizing.

Pairings for Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon Perfection

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the tangy lemon and delicate salmon flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with its bright acidity.
• Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with fresh dill, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts to echo the dish's herbal and citrus notes while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper to provide a green vegetable side that enhances the salmon's richness and adds textural variety to the meal.
• Complete with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, crusty sourdough to soak up the luxurious lemon-dill sauce, adding a satisfying crunch and helping to balance the dish's creamy texture.

Flavor Twists on the Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon

• Herb Garden Salmon: Replace dill with a mix of fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon for a vibrant, multiherb flavor profile that adds depth to the creamy sauce.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap half-and-half with Greek yogurt and add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a tangy Mediterranean character.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes and replace lemon with orange zest and juice, then add a splash of white wine to create a zesty, slightly spicy version of the original recipe.
• Creamy Mustard Salmon: Blend Dijon mustard into the sauce and use thyme instead of dill, creating a richer, more robust flavor that complements the salmon's natural taste.

Creamy Lemon-Dill Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon fillets bathed in a luscious lemon-dill sauce bring Mediterranean elegance to your dinner table. Rich, tangy flavors and delicate herbs create a sophisticated dish that promises to elevate your culinary experience with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each), skinless or skin-on

Aromatic Herbs and Seasonings:

• ¼ small bunch fresh dill
• 1 small shallot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare ingredients by finely dicing the shallot, crushing garlic cloves into small pieces, carefully zesting the entire lemon surface, and delicately chopping fresh dill fronds.
2. Season salmon fillets generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, carefully place seasoned salmon with the skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
4. Gently flip salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, until fish reaches desired internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, keeping the flavorful fond in the pan.
6. Reduce heat to medium and melt unsalted butter, then add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
7. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the aromatics, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning.
8. Gradually pour half-and-half and chicken broth into the pan, whisking consistently to develop a silky, lump-free sauce.
9. Incorporate freshly grated lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and chopped dill, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
10. Carefully return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets and allowing them to simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat and meld flavors.
11. Plate the salmon, generously coating with the creamy herb sauce, and garnish with delicate lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are evenly cut for consistent cooking.
• Sear salmon at medium-high heat to create a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
• Grate lemon zest before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and add brightness to the creamy sauce.
• Use fresh dill for a vibrant, herbaceous taste that complements the richness of the salmon and half-and-half.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more broth or half-and-half to achieve desired thickness and creaminess.
• Serve immediately after simmering to preserve the salmon’s delicate texture and the sauce’s optimal temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 458 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg