Dinner

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Name: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon slices

August 29, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Few dishes are as elegant and effortless as Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill. This recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication—succulent salmon fillets are baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then finished with fresh dill and zesty lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.

It’s a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of rich, flaky salmon with aromatic garlic butter and fresh herbs makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers incredible flavor with hardly any fuss. Salmon itself is naturally buttery, but when paired with garlic butter and herbs, it transforms into something spectacular. The lemon adds just the right amount of tang, balancing the richness perfectly.

Another reason I love it is its health factor—salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients, making this dish both delicious and nourishing. Plus, it’s baked in the oven, so cleanup is a breeze!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

It’s fast, easy, and elegant—perfect for beginners or experienced cooks.
Combines classic flavors that never fail: garlic, butter, lemon, and dill.
Salmon is a nutritious choice that supports heart health.
It works for any occasion—family dinner, date night, or entertaining guests.

If you want a recipe that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this is the one!

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon (zest and juice)
Lemon slices (for topping while baking)

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season salmon with salt and pepper.
Mix melted butter with garlic, dill, parsley, and lemon juice.
Place salmon on a baking dish, pour garlic butter sauce over it, and top with lemon slices.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until salmon is tender and flakes easily.
Garnish with fresh dill and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Season the salmon: Pat fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper.
Make garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, fresh dill, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Assemble: Place salmon fillets in the baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet. Place thin lemon slices on top for extra flavor.
Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes (depending on thickness) until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C).
Serve: Remove from oven, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley.

How to Serve

Pair with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf.
For a lighter meal, serve with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus.
Drizzle leftover garlic butter sauce over the side dish for extra flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the salmon—remove from oven as soon as it flakes easily.
Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor and nutrition.
If using frozen salmon, thaw completely before baking.
For crispier edges, broil the salmon for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to the baking dish.
Creamy Version: Stir 2 tbsp heavy cream into the garlic butter sauce.
Grilled Option: Grill salmon instead of baking, then drizzle with garlic butter after cooking.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the fish.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking dish or sheet pan
Small mixing bowl
Sharp knife & cutting board
Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is a dish that proves elegance doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a flavorful, healthy, and impressive meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests, this salmon dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

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