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Crispy Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe with Easy Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce

crispy herb crusted salmon - featured image

A quick and easy salmon recipe featuring a crispy herb crust and a creamy lemon dill sauce that balances rich flavors with fresh, tangy notes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • Fresh salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • Olive oil (for brushing and 1 teaspoon for sauce)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup / 50 grams)
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (2 tablespoons)
  • Fresh dill, finely chopped (2 tablespoons total; 1 tablespoon for crust, 1 tablespoon for sauce)
  • Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup / 25 grams) – optional
  • Fresh lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (1/2 cup / 120 ml)
  • Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
  • Minced garlic (1 small clove)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, dried thyme, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese (if using), and lemon zest. Mix well.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Press the herb crust mixture onto the top side of each salmon fillet, packing it firmly.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place salmon fillets crust-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
  6. Flip the salmon so the skin side is down. Transfer the skillet or salmon to the preheated oven on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
  7. While salmon bakes, whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 1 tablespoon chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Plate the salmon fillets and spoon the lemon dill sauce over or serve on the side. Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before oiling to help crust stick better. Use medium-high heat for searing to get a golden crust without burning. Press crust firmly onto salmon. Finish cooking in oven to ensure even doneness. Let salmon rest a few minutes before serving. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt and omit Parmesan. For gluten-free, substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Sauce tastes better if made ahead and rested for 30 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep crust crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, crispy herb crust, lemon dill sauce, quick dinner, seafood, healthy, easy recipe, weeknight meal