Baked salmon with lemon and dill is a timeless dish that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep, this meal delivers bold, clean flavors that highlight the natural richness of the salmon. It’s an ideal choice for a healthy weeknight dinner or a low-effort dish that still feels special enough for guests.
At the heart of this recipe is a fillet of salmon, which bakes beautifully in the oven until it’s moist, flaky, and tender. The key to its flavor lies in the classic combination of lemon and dill. Lemon brightens the dish with acidity and freshness, cutting through the buttery texture of the fish, while dill adds a delicate, herbal note that complements seafood perfectly.
Preparation couldn’t be easier. A drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a scattering of chopped fresh dill over the salmon is often all that’s needed. Some cooks add thin lemon slices on top to infuse the fillet with citrus as it bakes. You can also season with salt, pepper, and garlic or shallots for a slightly deeper flavor.
Baking the salmon in foil or parchment paper helps lock in moisture and allows the flavors to meld gently without drying out the fish. Depending on the thickness of your fillet, it usually takes 12 to 18 minutes in a preheated oven. The result is a perfectly cooked piece of fish that flakes easily with a fork and has a fresh, zesty aroma.
This dish pairs beautifully with light sides like roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, couscous, or a lemony quinoa salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber salad. It’s also delicious cold the next day, flaked over greens or mixed into a salmon salad.
Baked salmon with lemon and dill is proof that simple ingredients, when used well, can create something truly satisfying. It’s clean, flavorful, and nourishing, making it a go-to for anyone who loves uncomplicated, wholesome meals.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 Lemon sliced
- 4 sprigs dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lay a few slices of lemon on top of each fillet.
- Place a sprig of dill on top of each fillet.
- Drizzle the salmon with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
I tried it but my fish was kinda dry. Maybe I had it in too long? 🤷♂️
Hmmm, I used the wrong type of fish and it didn’t turn out great. I think halibut was too thick.
Using halibut instead of salmon can be tricky! I suggest trying it again with the right fish, it makes a big difference.
Oops, halibut is different!! But sometimes thick fish can be alright if you cook it right. Still, salmon is the best for this recipe.
Very simple and quick, but I wish there was more flavor. I added garlic and it helped!
Meh, I don’t think salmon and lemon belong together. Just not my thing.
Really easy and quick to make. Will make again for sure!
Why didn’t you mention how to know when it’s done cooking!? I overcooked mine.
So good! I added some garlic and it took it to another level!
Really? Garlic? That’s a bit too strong for fish, isn’t it? Lemon and dill are perfect as is.
Garlic does make everything better! I might try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
Can I use frozen salmon? Just wondering if that works too?
Is olive oil really necessary? I just used butter and it was pretty tasty. Anyway, this was okay, not great.
This recipe is a keeper! The lemon and dill combo is delightful. My whole family loved it!
Looks good, but I’m not sure about dill. I’ve always used parsley instead. Anyone else feel the same?
I’m glad your family enjoyed it! I tried this too, and it was really tasty! Will make it again!
I don’t know how you expect me to cook salmon with this, it seems too plain and boring. What a waste of fish.
I don’t know, I found the salmon a bit too oily. Maybe I drizzled too much?
Quick and simple, but I would’ve liked to see more detailed instructions.
I agree! More detail would help a lot. Like how about cooking time for different thicknesses of salmon? I had to guess!
Best salmon recipe ever! The dill and lemon combo is perfect. Will make again!
This was soooo good! Loved the lemon flavor!
I don’t understand how this could be the best salmon ever. It’s just fish with lemon?
Yum! My kids ate it all. Can’t believe it!
Simple and quick! Loved the lemon flavor, made it for friends and they asked for the recipe!
Baked salmon with lemon? Isn’t that just what everybody makes? Nothing special. I expected more.
I think the simplicity is what makes it special! Sometimes less is more. Give it a try before judging!
But baked salmon is supposed to be flavorful with lemon and dill! You’re missing out on the freshness! 🐟🍋
This recipe was super easy and turned out delicious! My family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Baked salmon? More like baked shalmon! Ha!
I thought I would hate dill but it turned out great. Who knew? 😀
This recipe is a hit! Super easy and delicious. My family loved it!
Fishy fish, yuck! No thanks. I prefer my meat grilled with spices.😝
I dunno, I don’t even like fish that much but my wife made this and, wow! I was surprised, it was good!
That’s awesome! It’s amazing how a good recipe can change your perspective on food. 🐟😊
I added some garlic, and wow! Made it even better, trust me!
Garlic? Really? I thought that would overpower the fish, but maybe I need to try it your way!
Lemon? Dill? Sounds fancy but too healthy for me. I rather order takeout.
Good recipe! But I used lime instead of lemon. Still tasty.
The dill was too much for my taste. I prefer just lemon and salt.
Just made it! It was the best meal I ever had!