Name: Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491491H2S
Total time: PT-491491H2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets or one large 1 ¼ pound skin-on salmon fillet; ¼ cup olive oil mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 2 tablespoons minced shallot; ½ teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for seasoning salmon); ½ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning salmon); Toasted breadcrumbs (optional); Lemon wedges, for serving

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I absolutely love sharing this Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly fancy yet comes together so quickly that I find myself making it on busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The bright, fresh flavors of lemon and dill paired with a creamy, tangy mayonnaise topping transform a simple salmon fillet into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that always impresses. It’s my go-to when I want something healthy but decadent, and the roasting method keeps the fish tender and flaky every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe

What really gets me about this Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe is the enchanting balance of flavors. The citrusy zing from the fresh lemon zest and wedges brightens the rich, buttery salmon, while the fresh dill adds an herbaceous pop that feels so refreshing. Pair that with the creamy, garlicky mayo mixed with shallots, and you have a flavor profile that feels sophisticated without being complicated. Every bite feels vibrant and satisfying, making it such a memorable dish.

Beyond flavor, I adore how simple and straightforward this recipe is. You don’t need to be a professional chef or spend hours in the kitchen to make this dish shine. A quick mix of a few fresh ingredients creates a luscious topping, and then you just roast the salmon until it flakes easily. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when I want something healthy but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or presentation. Plus, I find it impressive enough to serve to guests without stressing over complicated steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three bright orange salmon fillets laid in a slightly overlapping, stacked diagonal line on a piece of brown paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Above the salmon fillets are three small items: a wooden bowl with white creamy sauce, a small white bowl with golden mustard seeds, and a whole shallot with a reddish-pink skin. To the right of the salmon, there are fresh green sprigs of dill, while to the left, a whole yellow lemon sits next to small piles of black pepper and white salt. The textures show the salmon’s moist, delicate surface with visible lines of fatty layers, contrasted with the smooth sauces and the roughness of the mustard seeds photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color to make this dish pop.

Salmon fillets: I recommend skin-on for the best flavor and texture; it helps keep the fish moist during roasting.
Olive oil mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture while providing the perfect base for the dill and shallot.
Fresh dill: The star herb that brings a bright, grassy freshness to the recipe.
Minced shallot: Adds a subtle oniony punch without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Lemon: Both the zest and wedges bring brightness and zing to the dish.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Toasted breadcrumbs (optional): A crunchy topping option for extra texture and a golden finish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC) and position the rack in the middle. This temperature is just right for cooking the salmon evenly and gently without drying it out.

Step 2: While the oven heats, zest your lemon carefully to capture those flavorful oils without the bitter white pith. Then cut the lemon into wedges for serving later. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 2 tablespoons minced shallot, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet, patting them dry with paper towels first to ensure that crispy skin. Season the fillets with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to boost the natural flavors.

Step 4: Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. Be generous, covering all the exposed fish to create a luscious, flavorful crust as it roasts.

Step 5: Roast the salmon in the preheated oven until it flakes easily when tested with a fork and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 125ºF, about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re using thinner, wild-caught fillets, start checking around 7 to 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: If you love a little extra crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the salmon right after it comes out of the oven. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze on top for a bright finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

This delicious Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe serves 4 people generously. You’ll need about 10 minutes of prep time to assemble the mayo mixture and get the fillets ready, followed by 15 to 20 minutes of roasting depending on thickness. Total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for when you want a tasty, healthy meal on the table quickly. No additional resting time is needed; the salmon is best served warm straight from the oven.

How to Serve This Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe

A close-up view of a cooked salmon fillet topped with a green herb sauce mixed with small pink bits and sprinkled with golden brown crumbs, with visible fresh dill sprigs on top; the salmon's bright orange flesh is sliced, showing its tender, flaky texture beneath the sauce. The fillet rests on a vintage silver fork, placed on a white plate with a slightly wet surface which reflects light. To the right side of the plate, there are bright green steamed broccoli florets with a fresh, bumpy texture. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe, I like to keep the accompaniments simple but complementary. A light side salad with seasonal greens dressed in a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly, enhancing the citrus notes of the salmon. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or baby carrots offer wonderful color and texture contrasts. Or, you could serve it with fluffy quinoa or wild rice to soak up the luscious juices.

For presentation, I love garnishing each plate with an extra sprig of fresh dill and an artfully arranged lemon wedge. It adds a lovely splash of color and invites everyone to tailor their citrus level. This dish looks charming served on white or neutral-toned plates, which really lets the salmon’s vibrant topping shine.

When it comes to beverages, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complements the herbaceous and lemony flavors. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light iced green tea works wonderfully. I often bring this dish out for family dinners, casual celebrations, or even elegant weeknight meals because it feels special but approachable. I recommend serving the salmon warm to maintain that tender texture and flavor at their best.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe is how easily it can be adapted. For a twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise to lighten the topping while maintaining creaminess. If you want a dairy-free or vegan alternative, you could try a cashew cream mixed with fresh dill and lemon zest, though the texture will be different from the original.

For flavor variations, I sometimes add a touch of Dijon mustard to the mayo mixture for a bit of tangy depth or swap shallot for finely minced garlic for a bolder punch. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley to change up the herbal notes. For a smoky twist, a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top before roasting adds an unexpected warmth.

If you don’t have an oven, this recipe works well on the grill too—just place the fillets skin-side down on a clean, oiled grate and cook covered over medium heat until done, then spoon the mayo mixture on top right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe, I always recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to remove any lemon wedges to prevent bitterness from seeping into the fish. Properly stored, the salmon will keep well for up to 2 days. I find using small glass containers works best to seal in freshness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the salmon, portion it out and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. While salmon freezes well generally, I suggest freezing before adding the mayo topping to preserve texture. Frozen salmon can last up to 2 months, but for highest quality, try to consume it within that time. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat your leftover Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe, I gently warm it in a low-temperature oven (around 275ºF) for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the fish heat evenly without drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the salmon rubbery and tough. To bring back some crispness, I sometimes sprinkle a little extra fresh dill or squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing the dish. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents excess moisture, which can affect the texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh dill? Can I use dried dill instead?

While fresh dill is ideal for bright flavor and color, you can substitute dried dill if needed. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill since it’s more concentrated, but remember it won’t have the same vivid freshness as the fresh herb.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer; the salmon should reach an internal temperature of about 125ºF for tender, slightly pink center. It should flake easily with a fork but still feel moist and buttery.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To keep it gluten-free, simply skip the optional toasted breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

If you enjoy some heat, try stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes into the mayo mixture before spreading it over the salmon. It adds a lovely subtle kick without overwhelming the bright lemon dill flavors.

Conclusion

I’m genuinely thrilled every time I make this Lemon Dill Salmon Roast Recipe because it never fails to deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. It feels special enough for entertaining but simple enough for a quick weekday dinner, making it one of my all-time favorites to share. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how deliciously easy salmon can be with a little help from lemon, dill, and a creamy mayo topping!