The aroma of fresh dill mingling with creamy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon creates an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this Creamy Dill Salmon recipe is a delicious solution. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a standout meal that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy dill sauce adds a luxurious touch to the salmon.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with omega-3s from salmon and vitamins from dill.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Elegant Presentation: Impress your family or guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients—these simple pantry staples create magic together to make our Creamy Dill Salmon.
For the Salmon:- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: A neutral oil for searing the salmon.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- Fresh dill: Chopped for that signature taste.
- Capers: Optional, but they add a nice tang.
When selecting your salmon, look for bright, firm fillets with no fishy odor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen salmon works well—just make sure to thaw it properly. For the dill, fresh is best, but dried can be used in a pinch (use 1 tablespoon of dried dill in place of fresh).
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this Creamy Dill Salmon, you’ll need:
- Oven-safe skillet: For searing and baking the salmon.
- Saucepan: To prepare the creamy dill sauce.
- Oven thermometer: To ensure the salmon is cooked to perfection.
An oven-safe skillet is key as it allows you to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have one, you can sear the salmon in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish for the oven.
How to Make Creamy Dill Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with half of the salt and pepper.
Trust me, this step helps the flavors penetrate the fish.
Step 2: Sear and Bake the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook for about 4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Flip the fillets, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Believe me, using an oven thermometer ensures perfect doneness every time.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dill Sauce
While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and the remaining salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Tip from me: Keep stirring to prevent the cream from scorching.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped dill and capers, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. This is the fun part—watching the sauce come together with those vibrant flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Spoon the creamy dill sauce over the salmon fillets. Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve immediately.
Step back and admire your culinary creation before digging in!
Pro tip: To ensure the salmon skin crisps up beautifully, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the fillets. A hot pan helps to prevent sticking and promotes a golden crust. Temperature matters: Use room temperature salmon for even cooking. If it’s straight from the fridge, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking. Visual cues: Look for the salmon to turn opaque and the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures it’s cooked through but still moist and tender. Common mistake to avoid: Don’t overcook the salmon. It should be slightly translucent in the center for the best texture.Recipe Variations & Customizations
- Lemon Zest Addition: For an extra burst of citrus, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the creamy dill sauce. It enhances the freshness of the dish.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Creamy Dill Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor complements the richness of the salmon.
- Quinoa Salad: A light and healthy option that adds texture and nutrition.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet delicious, it balances the meal’s flavors.
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the dish.
This recipe is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal with friends. It’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Store any leftover Creamy Dill Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to prevent drying out.
For make-ahead, you can prepare the creamy dill sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving. The salmon itself is best cooked fresh, but if you need to, you can bake it ahead and reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Nutritional Benefits
- Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and reduce inflammation. The dill in this recipe adds vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function. This dish is also keto-friendly and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy dill sauce up to 2 days in advance. The salmon is best cooked fresh, but you can bake it ahead and reheat it gently.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and turns opaque. It should be slightly translucent in the center.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
While you can freeze the salmon, the texture of the sauce may change upon reheating. If you choose to freeze, do so in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of dried dill in place of the fresh dill called for in the recipe.
Q: How can I adjust the flavor of the sauce?
For a tangier sauce, add more lemon juice or capers. If you prefer it richer, add a bit more butter or cream.
Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Sear the salmon in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish for the oven.
Q: Can I use salmon without the skin?
Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly.
Recipe Origin or History
Salmon has been a beloved fish in many cuisines, particularly in Scandinavian and American dishes. The combination of salmon with dill and cream is a classic that’s been adapted in various ways. This recipe takes those traditional flavors and simplifies them for a quick yet elegant meal.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Dill Salmon is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a luxurious meal. The rich, creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked salmon makes this dish a standout. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to fit various dietary needs.
I encourage you to try this recipe and see how it elevates your weeknight dinners. Let me know your thoughts and any variations you try in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it on social media.
Enjoy your delicious meal, and be sure to explore more recipes on my blog!
Creamy Dill Salmon
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Saucepan
- Oven thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets skin-on, about 6 oz each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon capers optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, remaining salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped dill and capers, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Spoon the creamy dill sauce over the salmon fillets. Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve immediately.