I love easy weeknight dinners, and when it comes to healthy meals, salmon is always a great choice. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite **salmon recipes** that are simple to make and taste wonderful. If you’re looking for quick and flavorful ways to cook **fresh salmon**, you’ve come to the right place.
These dishes are perfect for busy evenings or when you just want a light, satisfying meal. I’ve got a range of options, from bright and zesty to a full skillet meal, all designed to make your dinner routine easier. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Lemon Dill Salmon for a Quick Dinner
- 2. Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Bake
- 3. Easy One Skillet Salmon With Lemon Orzo
Lemon Dill Salmon for a Quick Dinner
This lemon dill salmon is a quick and healthy meal I often make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something fresh and light.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Lemon Dill Salmon
- Fresh Dill: Use fresh dill for the best bright flavor in your salmon. Dried dill works, but fresh is better here for a vibrant taste.
- Lemon Slices: Placing lemon slices on top adds moisture and a nice citrus zing as the salmon cooks, keeping it tender.
- Don’t Overcook Salmon: Salmon cooks fast, so watch it closely. Overcooked salmon can be dry, aim for flaky and tender.
What You Need for Lemon Dill Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Lemon Dill Salmon
Step 1: Prep Your Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Flavor with Lemon and Dill
Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lay a few thin lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill evenly over the lemon and salmon. Drizzle with olive oil.
Step 3: Bake Until Flaky
Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it easily flakes with a fork. The cooking time might vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Serve immediately.
📝 Final Note
This lemon dill salmon is great with a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Bake
You will love this Mediterranean salmon bake. It’s packed with vegetables and healthy fats, all cooked on one pan for easy cleanup.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mediterranean Salmon Bake
- Cherry Tomatoes: As they bake, the cherry tomatoes burst, creating a natural and juicy sauce for the salmon and vegetables.
- Kalamata Olives: These add a salty, briny taste that is key to Mediterranean flavors. Use pitted olives to make it easier.
- Feta Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese after baking gives a creamy, tangy finish that completes the dish.
What You Need for Mediterranean Salmon
- 3 salmon fillets
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for serving)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3 servings
How to Make Mediterranean Salmon Bake
Step 1: Chop Your Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop the red onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Arrange on a Pan
Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and bell pepper around the salmon. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bake It All Together
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily, and the vegetables are tender. If using, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese right before serving.
📝 Final Note
Serve this Mediterranean salmon bake straight from the pan for an easy cleanup dinner. It pairs well with a simple side salad.
Easy One Skillet Salmon With Lemon Orzo Dinner
This one skillet salmon with lemon orzo makes a complete meal. It’s quick to make and uses just one pan, which is great for busy nights when you need an easy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for One Skillet Salmon Orzo
- Orzo Pasta: This small pasta cooks right in the skillet with the salmon and broth, absorbing all the wonderful flavors.
- Chicken Broth: The broth is crucial. It provides the liquid needed to cook the orzo and helps keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Fresh Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the very end for a lovely green touch. It wilts perfectly in the residual heat.
What You Need for Skillet Salmon Orzo
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make One Skillet Salmon Orzo
Step 1: Start the Orzo Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 2: Add Salmon and Cook
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon fillets directly on top of the simmering orzo. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 3: Finish with Lemon and Spinach
Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully flake the salmon into pieces or keep the fillets whole, as you prefer. Stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
📝 Final Note
Garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. This meal is great for a comforting yet healthy dinner.
