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- 4 salmon fillets - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 cup spinach (fresh) For this creamy lemon dill salmon, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The salmon fillets are the star of this dish. They provide rich flavor and healthy fats. Olive oil adds a nice touch when you sear the salmon. I always choose the best olive oil to enhance the taste. Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and silky texture. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They bring a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with salmon. Don't skip the dill; it adds a fresh herb taste. Garlic adds depth, making the sauce even more savory. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. It wilts quickly in the sauce, creating a lovely backdrop for the salmon. Finally, Dijon mustard gives a hint of spice and sharpness. These ingredients come together to make a dish that is both simple and packed with flavor. Enjoy the process as you gather these items to create a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the salmon evenly. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for 4-5 minutes. The skin should become crispy. You will see the salmon starting to cook through. Next, carefully flip the salmon fillets. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells nice. Make sure not to burn the garlic. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Stir all the ingredients well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit. Then, add 1 cup of fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts. Finally, return the salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the fillets. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. This will cook the salmon to your liking. Check for doneness based on your preference. When done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes. This step helps the flavors settle. To achieve crispy skin on your salmon, start by drying the fillets. Pat them with a paper towel to remove moisture. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Heat olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step. The longer the skin cooks, the crispier it gets. When ready, carefully flip the fillets and cook for 2 more minutes. For the best doneness, aim for a medium cook. The salmon should be opaque but still moist inside. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes in the oven. Use a fork to check. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. For ingredient substitutions, consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. This will lower calories while still keeping a creamy texture. You can also swap fresh dill for fresh parsley or tarragon for a different flavor. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. When it comes to side dishes, roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the salmon. You might also serve it with a light salad of mixed greens. These options balance the richness of the creamy sauce and add freshness to your meal. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Salmon: Always select fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, moist flesh with no discoloration. Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent the salmon from drying out. It should be flaky yet moist when done. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the creamy sauce for a personalized touch. Basil or parsley can also complement the flavors! Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a light salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal and balance the richness of the sauce. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors by using different herbs. For a fresh twist, try basil or parsley instead of dill. Each herb adds a unique taste that brightens the dish. Adding vegetables can also boost the dish. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. These add color and nutrition. Simply sauté them in the pan before adding the creamy sauce. You can grill or bake salmon for a tasty meal. Grilling gives the salmon a smoky flavor. Use a grill pan or outdoor grill for best results. Just be mindful of the cooking time. Baking is easier and keeps the salmon moist. The oven method also allows the flavors to meld well. If you want a stovetop-only version, you can skip the oven. After making the sauce, simmer everything on low heat. This method works well for a quick meal. Just ensure the salmon cooks through. After enjoying your creamy lemon dill salmon, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store the salmon in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well to prevent air from getting in. Refrigerate the salmon within two hours of cooking. This helps to keep it safe to eat. You can store the creamy salmon for up to three days in the fridge. The sauce may thicken as it cools. This is normal and helps the flavors meld together. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider freezing them. Place the salmon in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. The best way to reheat creamy salmon is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This helps to keep the creaminess intact. Heat the salmon for about 15-20 minutes. Check it often to avoid overcooking. If you prefer using the microwave, do so on a low setting. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. The salmon may lose some creaminess, but it will still taste great! The cooking time for salmon depends on its thickness. For a fillet that is 1 inch thick, cook it for about 10-12 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). If your fillet is thicker, add 2-3 minutes for each extra half-inch. Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it first for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it from frozen. Just increase the cooking time by about 50%. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it's cooked through. You can pair this dish with several sides for a balanced meal. Here are some great ideas: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base - A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for comfort These options will bring out the flavors of the creamy lemon dill salmon while adding nutrition to your meal. This blog post covered how to make creamy lemon dill salmon. You learned about each ingredient and step in the cooking process. We discussed tips for perfect texture and flavor, as well as variations to suit your taste. I shared ways to store leftovers and reheat them to keep their creaminess. Whether grilling or baking, you can enjoy this dish. Try new ingredients to make it your own. Cooking can be simple and fun. Enjoy your delicious culinary adventure!

Luscious Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon

A delicious and creamy salmon dish with lemon and dill, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 zest lemon
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup spinach (fresh)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is starting to cook through.
  • Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.
  • Remove the skillet from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes.

Notes

Serve the salmon on a plate generously drizzled with the creamy sauce, garnished with additional fresh dill and lemon slices on the side for a bright and flavorful presentation.
Keyword creamy, dill, dinner, lemon, salmon