How to Make the Perfect Baked Salmon with Dill and Cucumber Salsa
Scandinavian · Easy · 30 min · 2 servings
Tender oven-baked salmon fillets are topped with a refreshing cucumber and dill salsa that adds brightness without any added salt. This elegant yet simple dish is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Salmon with Dill and Cucumber Salsa recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 fillets fresh salmon skin on approximately 150 grams each
- 1 whole English cucumber finely diced
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 whole lemon juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Cucumber Salsa
Combine diced cucumber, fresh dill, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Stir together and let the salsa rest for 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and drizzle with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Place salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Transfer salmon fillets to plates and spoon the cucumber dill salsa generously over the top of each fillet. Serve immediately while the salmon is hot and the salsa is cool and fresh.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh salmon → trout fillets which have a similar flavor and texture
- fresh dill → fresh mint for a different herby brightness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the salmon until it is dry instead of removing it when it is just opaque
- Using smoked salmon instead of fresh which is very high in sodium
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 34g protein, 8g carbs, 19g fat, 2g fiber.
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