Lemon Dill Salmon

June 02, 2026

This easy lemon dill salmon takes just 10 minutes to bake and features a creamy, zesty dill sauce. It’s perfect as a healthy weeknight meal or to impress at dinner parties!

Need an easy weeknight meal? This lemon dill salmon has become one of those recipes I turn to constantly: because it’s fast, it’s easy, and it always impresses everyone. The sauce alone really is one of my secret weapons for salmon recipes!

Here the baked salmon is tender and savory, and covered in a tangy, creamy lemon dill sauce. The salmon bakes in just 10 minutes while you whisk together the sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this recipe so many times and it always gets rave reviews. Here’s why you’ll love it:

It has great flavor. High heat makes for tender baked salmon, and the dill sauce is so good: it combines the richness of mayonnaise with lighter Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and zingy lemon juice.
It’s a relatively fast and easy dinner. The entire recipe can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
It’s a healthy dinner option. This recipe fits into a Mediterranean diet meal plan, and it’s one of those healthy dinner ideas that hits the spot every time.

5 Star Reader Reviews

Great recipe! The sauce was delish! I used less mayo and more yogurt because of what I had on hand, but it was still great. Easy, healthy, and so tasty! -JoAnna

“My family loved this recipe. That sauce! Wow! Thank you — it was fast, easy, and oh so delicious.” -Christina

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this lemon dill salmon recipe:

Salmon fillets: I like using skin-on fillets for easier handling, but skin-off works too. Look for fresh, sustainably caught salmon when possible.
Fresh dill: This fresh herb adds a brightness that dried dill simply can’t match.
Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: I cut the traditional all-mayo dill sauce with Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
Fresh lemon juice: The acidity of lemon balances the richness of the sauce.
Garlic and onion powder: These spices add depth without overpowering. In my testing, I found that fresh garlic can sometimes be too strong.

How to Make Lemon Dill Salmon

This lemon dill salmon is so easy and versatile: it works for easy weeknight dinners and is still special enough for dinner parties. When we first made the recipe, Alex and I brought it to friends who just had a baby and they loved it. Here are the basic steps for how to make this lemon dill salmon:

Season with salt and pepper. Place the fillet on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 10 minutes at 450°F. Bake until it’s flaky and just cooked, about 10 minutes. You can also make pan seared salmon for an even quicker dinner.
Mix up the dill sauce for salmon. The sauce takes just 5 minutes to mix up while the fish bakes.

Variations: Grilled, Pan Seared, or Broiled

I have made this lemon dill salmon recipe with alternative cooking methods, and it’s great every time! My very favorite is this Perfect Grilled Salmon as a delicious summer recipe: it is so tasty and everyone is always impressed.

I also like making this with quicker Pan Seared Salmon, or even my very fast Broiled Salmon method.

More Ways to Use the Sauce

Once you taste this 5-minute lemon dill sauce, you’ll want to put it on everything. I’ve used it on so many other dishes beyond salmon:

It would be great with other seafood like sauteed shrimp, baked trout, baked cod, or grilled halibut.
Chicken works too, like pan seared chicken, baked chicken, or grilled chicken thighs.
I also like it with vegetables like French fries, baked potato wedges, steamed broccoli or steamed cauliflower.

Sides to Serve with Lemon Dill Salmon

There are lots of ways to serve this lemon dill salmon to make it a healthy meal! Here are some favorite sides to go with salmon, for weeknights or entertaining:

This apple salad or arugula salad are quick and simple.
Try steamed green veggies like steamed broccoli or steamed green beans.
These Parmesan truffle fries or Parmesan potato wedges are two of our favorite ways to prepare potatoes.
Add a grain like quinoa, farro, orzo, or rice.
Go for a quick baked sweet potato or quick baked potato, recipes with a time-saving trick.
Use the oven for roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots, or roasted vegetables.

Tip: This recipe is included in our Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan! It has recipes for 1 month and a meal planning spreadsheet download.

Dietary Notes

This lemon dill salmon recipe is pescatarian and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh is best here, but if you’re stuck, substitute 1 teaspoon dried dill. The flavor will be a little muted, so taste and adjust.

What’s the best internal temperature for salmon?

Salmon is done at 125–130°F for a tender, just-cooked center. Because oven baking can push it past that quickly, I rely on the fork test and pull it the moment it flakes.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes. Whisk it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. You may need a splash of water to loosen it again before serving.