Lemon Pepper and Dill Salmon
This Lemon Pepper and Dill Salmon is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings together zesty lemon, bold black pepper, and fresh dill to enhance the natural taste of salmon. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
- Author: hillary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped) or 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added balance)
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and dill. If using honey, add it to the mix for a touch of sweetness.
- Marinate: Brush the mixture generously over both sides of the salmon fillets and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Pan-Searing: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Cook the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with extra fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning.
For extra crispiness, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Pair with a homemade lemon-dill sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 280 calories per serving
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Lemon pepper and dill salmon, baked salmon, grilled salmon, easy salmon recipe, lemon dill salmon, healthy salmon recipe