Quick and Easy Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon and Lemon Dill

Looking to elevate your meals with minimal effort and maximum flavour? Look no further than our Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill! This recipe is the epitome of simplicity and elegance, perfect for a weekend meal that feels indulgent or a special occasion. With just a handful of ingredients—salmon fillets, fresh lemon slices, aromatic dill, and a drizzle of olive oil—you can create a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours. The lemon and dill work together to enhance the natural richness of the salmon, while a touch of salt and pepper brings everything together. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this delightful, easy-to-make dish!

This Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill recipe draws inspiration from traditional Mediterranean cuisine, known for its fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple preparation methods. The combination complements the rich flavour of salmon perfectly. This dish is versatile enough to fit into any meal plan, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

Salmon: The main ingredient

Salmon (pl.: salmon) is the common name for several commercially important species of euryhaline ray-finned fish from the genera Salmo and Oncorhynchus of the family Salmonidae. These fish are native to tributaries of the North Atlantic (Salmo) and North Pacific (Oncorhynchus) basins. Other closely related fish in the same family include trout, char, grayling, whitefish, lenok, and taimen.

Ingredients:

1. Salmon Fillets: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and brain function.
• Alternative: Trout or mackerel offer similar healthy fats and robust flavours.
2. Lemon Slices: Adds a zesty freshness and aids in digestion with its natural acidity.
3. Fresh Dill: Imparts a fragrant, herbaceous flavour that pairs perfectly with fish.
• Alternative: Fresh parsley or basil can be used for a different herbal note.
4. Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness and is known for its heart-healthy benefits.
• Alternative: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are excellent for their mild flavours and healthy fats.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavours and helps to balance sweetness. Sea salt or kosher salt can offer varying textures and taste profiles.
5. Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and depth to the dish. Choose a less hot pepper if you are no accustomed hot pepper for subtler spiciness.

These ingredients, versatile and healthful, make for a delicious, nutritious dish!

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Top with lemon slices and fresh dill.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the salmon is well cooked.

 

These simple ingredients, whether used as listed or with their alternatives, ensure that your Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is both delicious and nutritious! As the holiday season approaches, there's no better time to indulge in festive flavours while keeping things healthy and delicious. The Baked Salmon fresh ingredients not only bring a burst of colour and flavour to your table but also offer numerous health benefits.

Dill: A Timeless Herb with Rich History

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb in the celery family Apiaceae, known for its delicate, feathery leaves and aromatic seeds. Native to North Africa, Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula, dill has been cherished for centuries across various cultures. Dill's fascinating history includes being found in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep II, dating back to around 1400 BC.

In India, dill goes by various names depending on the region. It's called 'Sholpa' in Bengali, 'shepu' in Marathi, 'sheppi' in Konkani, 'savaa' in Hindi, and 'soa' in Punjabi. Dill is often prepared with yellow moong dal as a main course dish due to its antiflatulent properties. This herb's enduring appeal lies not just in its flavour but in its rich cultural significance and myriad health benefits.

About Salmon

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, renowned for its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and reducing inflammation. It provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, crucial for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, salmon is an excellent source of vitamins, including vitamin D, which supports bone health, and B vitamins that play a vital role in energy production. The fish also contains selenium, a mineral important for thyroid function and antioxidant defense. Its combination of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals makes salmon an outstanding choice for a balanced and nutritious diet. 

Conclusion

As the holiday season approaches, there's no better time to indulge in festive flavours while keeping things healthy and delicious. Our Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill is the perfect recipe to add to your holiday menu. Its vibrant, fresh ingredients not only bring a burst of colour and flavour to your table but also offer numerous health benefits. Whether you're hosting a grand family dinner or enjoying a cosy meal at home, this dish is sure to impress. Simple to prepare and delightful to eat, it's the ideal way to celebrate the season with nutritious, tasty food. Happy holidays!

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