Creamy Lemon & Herb Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Lemon & Herb Salmon is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets smothered in a velvety lemon-garlic cream sauce infused with fresh herbs. It’s quick to prepare, yet elegant enough for entertaining. The combination of citrus brightness and aromatic herbs makes it a perfect pairing with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon filletsolive oilbuttergarlicheavy creamlemon juicelemon zestDijon mustardfresh parsleyfresh dillfresh thyme (optional)saltblack pepper

directions

Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon fillets, skin-side down first, for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

Add chopped herbs (parsley, dill, and thyme if using), then return the salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets.

Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and lemon slices if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use Greek yogurt or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.

Add spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for extra color and nutrients.

Substitute trout or cod for the salmon if preferred.

Top with grated Parmesan for a cheesier twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking the salmon.The sauce may thicken when chilled—add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then add to the sauce.

What can I serve with Creamy Lemon & Herb Salmon?

It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or pasta.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly to maintain texture.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What type of salmon is best?

Skin-on fillets of Atlantic or sockeye salmon work great.

Do I need to remove the skin?

It’s optional. The skin crisps up nicely when seared, but you can remove it before or after cooking.

Can I make this spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce for a kick.

Is lemon essential?

Yes, it balances the richness of the cream and enhances the flavor of the herbs.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon & Herb Salmon is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together zesty citrus, fragrant herbs, and tender fish in one creamy, satisfying pan. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and it’s easy to customize to suit your tastes. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it is.

Print