Oven Baked Salmon, with a tangy Mustard Dill Sauce, is an easy and delicious dinner
If the idea of baking salmon is intimidating then this is the recipe that will change your mind forever. It’s a no-fail recipe and it’s ready in just 15-minutes!
This method works with whole sides of salmon for an impressive dinner party or individual pieces for an easy weeknight dinner.
It also has just a few simple ingredients to gather together, which really makes this recipe a go-to in our books. The super simple and creamy mustard dill sauce is optional for added flavor.
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The full list of exact measurements is listed in our recipe card below but here is your market list for baked salmon:
- SALMON – choose a whole side for an impressive presentation for a bigger crowd, or use individual pieces. You will want to purchase skin-on salmon for the best results. Our side of salmon pictured above was about 22 ounces and generously served 4 people.
- OLIVE OIL – salmon is an oily fish so you won’t need much olive oil
- SALT and PEPPER – we like to use fine sea salt and recommend freshly ground black pepper
- DILL – Dried or fresh dill will work equally well for this recipe, but make sure your dried dill is fresh and still has flavor. If you don’t love dill try using rosemary, mixed Italian herbs, or just parsley.
For the Dill Mustard Sauce:
- HEAVY CREAM – use heavy whipping cream or regular cream
- DIJON-STYLE MUSTARD – we love Dijon, but any spicy mustard will work for this sauce
- DILL – fresh or dried work equally well
- SALT AND PEPPER -use either black or white pepper. White pepper will not show up as little flecks in the sauce like black pepper does, so we generally use that if we have it on hand, for a nicer finished look.
How to bake salmon:
STEP ONE – PREPARING THE PAN
The key to this salmon is a quick roast at high heat on a hot pan. The fish cooks perfectly without drying out.
- Preheat the oven to 450˚F
- Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper. We prefer parchment paper because NOTHING sticks to it and it makes it easy to remove the cooked salmon, but foil will work too!
- Place the prepared pan in the oven for 5 minutes, without the salmon on it, to pre-heat the pan. This is an important step, so don’t skip it!
STEP TWO – PREPARING THE SALMON
If you are making salmon for a crowd, buy a whole side of salmon. Otherwise, buy individual fillets. Make sure you buy salmon with the SKIN ON. Even if you don’t want to eat the skin it’s best to cook salmon with its skin on to keep it from drying out. It’s easy to remove the skin once cooked.
- Pat the salmon and skin dry before cooking and seasoning for best results
STEP THREE – EASY COOKING DIRECTIONS
- Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven
- Brush foil or parchment paper lightly with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil (or generously spray with non-stick cooking spray)
- Carefully place salmon piece skin side down on the hot baking pan
- Brush salmon with remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper
- Return the hot pan to the oven
- Bake 10-minutes for every 1″ thickness of salmon. You can also check for doneness by inserting a sharp knife into the thickest part of the salmon. The fish should be flaky and opaque.
- Remove from oven and let salmon rest on the baking sheet for about 10-minutes before cutting
How to make creamy Mustard Dill Sauce:
This creamy mustard dill sauce is super easy and you can prepare it while your salmon is cooking. You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to use it.
- Add heavy cream to a small heavy-bottomed pot
- Bring to a boil, whisking frequently, and then reduce to a medium-low simmer
- Reduce the cream until it becomes thick and is sauce consistency
- The sauce is ready when you stir the sauce with a spoon and can then immediately trace a line across the back of the spoon. (In culinary terms this is called “holding the line”)
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the mustard, dill, salt, and pepper until fully combined
How to serve creamy mustard salmon:
We like to serve the salmon with the creamy mustard sauce drizzled lightly on top and then put the remaining sauce in a bowl in case anyone wants more!
The best type of salmon to use:
Buy the best quality salmon within your budget. The taste will shine through in a recipe like this one. We prefer wild-caught salmon from Alaska or the Pacific. Look for salmon that is brightly colored and shiny.
Salmon is a “superfood” so it’s considered a great source of omega-3s and protein
Fresh or Dried Dill?
One of the greatest things about salmon is that it works with so many different types of herbs. I love the taste of fresh dill but have used dried dill for this recipe many times.
Also consider using fresh or dried oregano, rosemary, or chives. Salmon also tastes great with garlic powder added to the salt mixture.
Serving ideas:
This salmon pairs well with a fresh green salad and a dry white or Rose wine or try it with these side dishes:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Oven Roasted Asparagus
- Arugula Beet Avocado Salad
- Grilled Caesar Salad
- Pesto Pasta Salad
Looking for other salmon recipes to try?
- Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus is a 30-minute complete meal with Asian flavors
- Cedar Plank Salmon with Potlatch Seasoning is unique with a soft smoky flavor.
Your sommelier wine pairing recommendations:
- Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose’
- Mumm Napa Brut Champagne
- Chateau Fuisse Pouilly Fuisse Tete de Cuvee
- Chateau D’Esclans Rock Angel Rose’
- Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Les Folatieres Premier Cru
- Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
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Oven Baked Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce
Ingredients
Salmon
- 16-20 ounces Salmon, skin on
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
- ½ lemon, sliced, optional if not using sauce
Dill Mustard Sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, freshly ground (white or black)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the hot oven for 5 minutes. Remove pan from oven and spray with non-stick spray or brush lightly with a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Place salmon, skin side down, on the hot pan. Drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and scatter dill all over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place pan in the oven and cook 10 minutes for every 1" thickness of salmon.
- When there is about 1 minute left to cook layer sliced lemons on top, if not drizzling with the Mustard Dill Sauce later for added flavor.
Making the Mustard Dill Sauce:
- In a small heavy-bottom saucepan add heavy cream. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently, and then reduce heat to a medium simmer. Reduce the cream until thickened to sauce consistency. The sauce is ready when you stir the sauce with a spoon and then immediately trace a line across the back of the spoon.Remove from heat and whisk in mustard, dill, salt, and pepper.
Serving Instructions:
- Remove salmon from the oven and allow it to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. This is important so don't skip this step!
- Carefully loosen and remove salmon to a prepared platter using 2 large spatulas.
- Drizzle with Dill Mustard Sauce. Serve the remaining sauce in a small dish on the side.
Notes
- Using parchment or foil makes clean up easier.
- Leftover salmon can be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Andrea
I love salmon any way but the combination of the dill and mustard is really delicious. Thanks!
Liza
I couldn’t believe how easy this luscious salmon was to prepare, and I could just eat the delicious mustard sauce with a spoon! This recipe will definitely be on permanent mealtime rotation at our house.
Sharon
This easy-baked salmon recipe comes out so flaky and full of flavor. A great way to use up dill from my garden.
Tavo
Oh my God! That mustard sauce was incredible! I loved the pairing with the baked salmon! Thanks for another great recipe!
Carrie Robinson
That mustard dill sauce sounds absolutely delicious! Such a great pairing with salmon. 🙂
Mende
As a Newbie cook, I am always searching online for recipes that can be of assistance to me. Thank you
Farah
I’m always looking for new salmon recipes- this looks so juicy and perfect!
Kacey Perez
Salmon recipes are always good to have on hand! So healthy and so tasty thanks for sharing this one!
Mirlene
This salmon looks very delicious. It’s perfect for a mid-week meal.
Sally @ Savory With Soul
I typically will cook my salmon on the stove top, but it can get quite messy dealing with the skin and the splattering. Your method looks so easy and fool proof. Thanks for sharing it! Looking forward to baking my salmon soon!
Sara Welch
Love eating salmon when the weather warms up; this looks amazing! Adding this to my dinner line up for the week!