My Favorite Weeknight Salmon Dinner
I love an easy salmon recipe for busy nights. This baked lemon dill salmon is my go-to. You just wrap it up in foil. The pouch keeps all the good steam inside.
It makes the fish so tender and juicy. The smell of lemon and garlic fills the kitchen. Doesn’t that smell amazing? I think simple food made with care matters most. It feeds our bodies and our hearts. What is your favorite weeknight dinner to make?
Why We Use a Foil Pouch
Learning how to cook salmon in foil is a smart trick. The pouch is like a little oven inside your oven. It locks in the flavors so they can dance together.
I once forgot to seal the pouch well. Oh, what a mess! The juices ran all over my pan. I still laugh at that. A good seal matters. It makes cleanup so easy with this sheet pan salmon. Just toss the foil!
The Magic of Lemon and Dill
Fresh dill and lemon are like sunshine on a plate. They make this healthy salmon recipe taste bright and happy. You use half the dill before baking.
Save the rest for after. That fresh sprinkle at the end is key. *Fun fact: Dill is related to the celery plant!* Do you have a favorite herb you like to cook with?
My Simple Broiling Tip
Here is the secret for the perfect finish. After baking, you open the pouch. Then you broil the salmon for just three minutes.
This gives the top a lovely, light crisp. It adds a little texture. That quick broil matters. It turns a steamed fish into a baked salmon with lemon and dill that feels special. It looks so pretty for a quick salmon recipe.
Your Turn to Make It
This foil pouch salmon is so forgiving. You really cannot mess it up. It is a healthy choice that also tastes wonderful.
I love knowing I am eating something good for me. Will you try this salmon with fresh dill soon? If you do, tell me, what did you serve it with? I always need new ideas for sides!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | 2 pounds | |
| Lemons | 2 medium | Sliced for topping |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Fresh dill | 3 tablespoons | Chopped, divided |
| Pepper | to taste | Fresh ground |
Instructions
Step 1: First, heat your oven to 375°F. Line a pan with foil and give it a little spray. Lay your salmon right in the middle. I always smile when I see that beautiful pink fish. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 2: Drizzle oil on your salmon and rub it all over. Sprinkle on the garlic, salt, pepper, and half your fresh dill. Top it with thin lemon slices. (Use your hands to rub the oil—it’s the best tool!) This easy salmon recipe is coming together.
Step 3: Now, fold the foil up to make a tight pouch. Seal all the edges well. This is how to cook salmon in foil for perfect steam. It keeps everything so moist and tender. What’s your favorite herb to cook with? Share below!
Step 4: Bake your foil pouch salmon for 15 minutes. Then, open the pouch carefully. Set your oven to broil. Move the lemons to the side of the pan. This quick salmon recipe is almost done!
Step 5: Broil for 3 minutes until the top is golden. Take it out and add the rest of your fresh dill. Your healthy salmon recipe is ready. I still laugh at how fast this weeknight salmon dinner disappears.
Creative Twists
Swap lemon for thin orange slices. It adds a sweet, sunny flavor. Add a teaspoon of honey before sealing the pouch. It makes a lovely, light glaze. Mix some capers into the fresh dill topping. They give a nice little salty pop. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This sheet pan salmon is wonderful with simple sides. Try it with roasted asparagus or fluffy rice. A crisp green salad is lovely, too. For a pretty plate, serve your baked salmon with lemon and dill right on the foil. It makes cleanup a dream. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Lemon Dill Salmon Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about leftovers. This baked lemon dill salmon keeps well. Let it cool completely first. Then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will be good for two days. You can also freeze it for a month. Wrap it tightly in foil first.
I remember my first time making this easy salmon recipe. I had so much left! I froze two pieces. A week later, I reheated one for lunch. It was still so moist and flavorful. I was so pleased. Batch cooking like this saves busy nights.
To reheat, use your oven. Warm it at 275 degrees until just heated through. This keeps it from drying out. A quick salmon recipe is even quicker when it’s already made! Storing food well means less waste. It also means a healthy salmon dinner is always ready for you.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Salmon Surprises
Even easy recipes can have little hiccups. Do not worry. Here are three common issues and their fixes. First, your salmon might stick. Always use that cooking spray on the foil. This makes cleanup a dream for your sheet pan salmon.
Second, the fish might seem dry. This often means it cooked too long. I once broiled mine for five minutes instead of three. It was overdone. Watching the clock matters. Perfect cooking gives you that tender, flaky bite we all love.
Third, the garlic might burn during broiling. The fix is simple. Just move the lemon slices off the top before you broil. This lets the heat reach the salmon directly. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavor of your baked salmon with lemon and dill just right.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What temperature should salmon be baked at?
For this foil pouch salmon, use 375 degrees. This is a great middle temperature. It cooks the fish gently and evenly. The foil pouch traps steam. This keeps your healthy salmon recipe very moist. It is the key to a tender, perfect weeknight salmon dinner every single time.
How long to bake salmon at 400?
If you use 400 degrees, bake for about 12-14 minutes. Check it early. The higher heat cooks it faster. The salmon will still be juicy. Remember to keep it in the foil pouch. This method for how to cook salmon in foil works at different temperatures. Just adjust your time.
What goes well with lemon dill salmon?
So many things! I love simple roasted asparagus or green beans. A side of rice or quinoa is nice too. It soaks up the lovely juices. A crisp garden salad is always a good friend to this baked lemon dill salmon. It makes a complete, colorful plate.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh for salmon?
You can, in a pinch. Use one teaspoon of dried dill for each tablespoon of fresh. The flavor is stronger and a bit different. Fresh dill has a bright, gentle taste. But your easy salmon recipe will still be tasty. *Fun fact: Dried herbs are best added early, fresh herbs at the end.*
How do you know when baked salmon is done?
The salmon will turn opaque and pink. It should flake easily with a fork. A simple test is to gently press the top. It should feel firm but still give a little. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees. Do not overcook it. This keeps your quick salmon recipe delicious.
Is it better to bake salmon covered or uncovered?
For this recipe, start covered. The foil pouch steams the fish. This makes it incredibly moist. Then, open the pouch and broil it uncovered. This gives the top a nice, light crisp. So we do both! This method gives you the best of both worlds for your salmon with fresh dill.
Which tip will you try first?
My Kitchen Table Is Always Open
I hope you love this baked salmon with lemon and dill. It is a dear favorite in my home. Cooking should be a joy, not a worry. I am so glad we could chat about it today. Remember, the best recipes are the ones you make your own.
I would love to hear from you. Tell me about your cooking adventures. Your stories make my day brighter. Every kitchen has its own wonderful stories, you know.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it went in the comments below. Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell
Lemon Dill Baked Salmon
Description
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Line a sheet pan with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray then add the salmon.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon then rub to coat. Add the minced garlic on top of the salmon spreading evenly, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and half of the fresh dill. Place thin slices of lemon on top of the salmon.
- Fold the foil up and around the salmon and crumple or fold the pieces together to seal. Fold up the ends to seal and form a large pouch.
- Place the salmon in the oven and bake for around 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and change the oven setting to broil.
- Carefully open the pouch and fold the foil back over the edges of the sheet pan. Move the lemons off of the salmon and place around the sides.
- Return the salmon to the oven and broil for around 3 minutes until the top begins to brown and the edges begin to crisp up.
- Remove from oven and top with the remaining dill and serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate per serving based on 4 servings from a 2-pound salmon fillet.