If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors yet comforting and creamy, then Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon with Buttered Peas is just what you need. This recipe combines flaky, tender salmon fillets with a luscious lemon-dill cream sauce and buttery peas that perfectly complement the fish. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that you can whip up any night of the week, delivering restaurant-quality taste without the fuss.
Why Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon with Buttered Peas is Worth Your Time
This dish is a winner for so many reasons. First, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a nutritious choice that’s also incredibly delicious. The lemon and dill add a refreshing brightness that enhances the natural flavors of the fish, while the cream sauce adds a velvety texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. Paired with sweet, buttered peas, it’s a balanced meal that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides or even swap ingredients according to what you have on hand. If you love salmon recipes with a creamy twist, you might also enjoy the Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon Skillet or the vibrant flavors in Sticky Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowls for a different spin.
What’s in the Bowl
- 4 salmon fillets – fresh and skin-on for the best texture and flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the salmon to a golden brown
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – adds tangy brightness
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – for an intense lemon aroma and flavor
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – creates the creamy sauce that coats the salmon
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped – the herbaceous note that defines this dish
- Salt and pepper to taste – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup frozen peas – quick-cooking and naturally sweet
- 2 tablespoons butter – to enrich the peas and give them a silky finish
Setup & Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet – perfect for searing salmon and making the sauce in one pan
- Small saucepan – optional, for cooking peas separately if preferred
- Zester or fine grater – to zest the fresh lemon
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate ingredient portions
- Spatula or tongs – for flipping salmon without breaking it
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping dill and prepping lemon
Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon with Buttered Peas Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures a flavorful crust when searing.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to get crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Dill Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the Buttered Peas
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the frozen peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and immediately toss with butter, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. The butter melts into the peas, making them silky and rich.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet with the creamy lemon dill sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Serve each fillet with a generous helping of buttered peas on the side. For a complete meal, consider adding roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. If you want to explore more lemon-inspired dishes, the Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Garlic Potatoes might be a perfect companion.
What to Use Instead
- Salmon: Substitute with any firm white fish like cod or halibut if preferred.
- Heavy cream: Use coconut cream or full-fat plain yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free option.
- Dill: Fresh parsley or tarragon provide a different but pleasant herbal flavor.
- Peas: Green beans or asparagus tips work well as alternate green vegetable sides.
Chef’s Rationale
This recipe balances the richness of salmon and cream with the acidity of lemon and freshness of dill, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The buttered peas add a sweet, buttery contrast that complements the savory fish beautifully. The choice of olive oil for searing enhances the salmon’s natural flavor while keeping it light. Cooking the salmon skin-on helps retain moisture and adds texture to the dish.
- Lemon zest intensifies the citrus notes without the bitterness of pith.
- The cream sauce binds the ingredients together, making every bite luxuriously smooth.
- Frozen peas are convenient but retain their sweetness and texture when cooked properly.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon with Buttered Peas tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at a low setting to avoid overcooking the salmon. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, stir in a splash of milk or water to loosen it.
For best results, prepare the peas fresh each time, as they tend to lose texture when reheated. To save time, you can prep the sauce and have it ready to warm up with freshly cooked salmon.
Popular Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a vibrant twist, try serving alongside Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Garlic Potatoes.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy yogurt. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative instead of regular butter for the peas.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking can dry it out, so remove it from heat just as it reaches this stage.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
- Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon Skillet – for a creamy, garlicky salmon experience
- Sticky Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowls – sweet and savory salmon served over rice
- Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Garlic Potatoes – a zesty, comforting sheet pan meal
Next Steps
Now that you have this delightful Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon with Buttered Peas recipe in your kitchen arsenal, why not experiment with it? Try swapping the dill for other herbs or pairing the creamy salmon with different vegetables. You might also want to explore other salmon dishes to expand your repertoire, like the Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon Skillet or the flavorful Sticky Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowls. Each offers a unique way to enjoy salmon that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Enjoy this recipe as a centerpiece for a family dinner or a special occasion. Its elegance and ease make it a go-to for any salmon lover looking for a fresh, creamy, and delicious meal.
With its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and buttery flavors, Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon with Buttered Peas is guaranteed to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Lemon Dill Salmon with Buttered Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures a flavorful crust when searing.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to get crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the frozen peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and immediately toss with butter, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. The butter melts into the peas, making them silky and rich.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet with the creamy lemon dill sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Serve each fillet with a generous helping of buttered peas on the side. For a complete meal, consider adding roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the salmon.
- Substitute salmon with firm white fish like cod or halibut if desired.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or full-fat plain yogurt instead of heavy cream, and plant-based butter alternatives for the peas.
