Baked Lemon Dill Salmon for Weeknights (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

This baked lemon dill salmon recipe comes together in 20 minutes and is perfect for a fresh, easy dinner on weeknights! Serve with a salad, grain, or roasted veggie for a well-rounded, nourishing meal.

this recipe

Baked salmon is good for any time of year, but the lemon and fresh dill combination is one of my favorites for spring and summer months! This lemon dill salmon is an incredibly easy weeknight recipe that comes together in 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

I love serving it with roasted radishes or a whole grain salad (think fresh quinoa cucumber salad), or atop my favorite strawberry salmon summer salad. This recipe can be totally flexible with what you have on hand and what you have time for, so it's the perfect protein to add to your dinner menu this week.

Jump to:

• Ingredient Highlights
• Substitutions & Variations
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• A Note Salmon Cook Time
• Make it En Papillote for Juicer Salmon
• What to Serve with Lemon Dill Salmon
• 📖 Recipe

Ingredient Highlights

Which Salmon is Best for Baking?

I often opt for wild-caught salmon, but sometimes farmed salmon is more accessible, so I'll typically decided based on where I shop. The main thing to note here is that baking times will be slightly different. Wild caught salmon is leaner and can dry out more easily, whereas farmed is fattier and difficult to overcook (which can be nice if you're new to cooking salmon!). I'll include doneness cues and tips in the recipe card so you know regardless of which type of salmon you choose.

If you're interested, you can read more about the difference between farmed and wild salmon or check out this sustainable salmon guide.

Substitutions & Variations

• Fresh or frozen - You can use fresh or frozen salmon for this! For frozen salmon, remove the amount you want to use from its packaging and place it in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow it to thaw overnight, and it should be ready for you the next day!
• Herbs - Fresh dill can easily be swapped out for parsley, basil, or other fresh herbs that you want to try.
• Butter - Try adding a few small chunks of butter on top of the salmon before you put it into the oven. It will melt into a glorious, delicious flavor!
• Lemon vinaigrette - For serving, place atop your favorite greens and drizzle with this light and lovely lemon vinaigrette for bright and fresh dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

A Note Salmon Cook Time

If you're going wild caught, I recommend getting as thick a piece of salmon as possible. If your piece is thinner (sometimes that's all that's available!), I'd check the salmon for doneness before 16 minutes.

I've made this salmon dozens of times, and for thinner pieces I check at 13-14 minutes just make sure. Remember, it'll keep cooking for a couple minutes after you take it out of the oven.

Make it En Papillote for Juicer Salmon

This is one of my favorite ways to make sure the salmon stays super juicy! Place the salmon on a large piece of parchment paper. Once it's seasoned, fold each end of the parchment loosely over the short side of the salmon, and roll the paper to close it. Then, roll up the sides.

The paper will essentially form a pocket or tent for steam to build, gently cooking the salmon and preventing it from drying out.

What to Serve with Lemon Dill Salmon

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📖 Recipe