Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas Recipe

If you’re ready to turn a simple weeknight into something special, Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas is exactly the recipe for you! Succulent, flaky salmon, bright pops of lemony butter sauce, and the sweet, herbal snap of dill-infused peas—this is comfort food in its most vibrant, sunshine-filled form. Get ready to savor every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely adore about the Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas is how a handful of simple, honest ingredients can combine into something so elegant. Each element—down to the crunchy bread—brings its own magic, from silkiness to freshness, and even that irresistibly tangy pop.

• Baguette or crusty bread: Toasted until golden, these torn pieces add a satisfying crunch and soak up all that luscious lemon butter sauce.
• Olive oil: Brushed on the bread, it delivers crispness and a hint of fruity depth.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; its larger flakes help form a beautiful crust on the salmon and bring out all the flavors.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Half a batch brings sharp, aromatic brightness to both salmon and peas—don’t skip the homemade touch!
• Center-cut skin-on salmon fillet: Rich and tender, this is the star of your show—go for thick, even pieces for perfect results.
• Cracked black pepper: For a gentle bite and aroma that contrasts beautifully with the citrus and dill.
• Frozen peas: Sweet, vibrant, and convenient, they provide freshness with zero prep.
• Fresh dill: Just a couple of tablespoons makes all the difference, adding summery herbal notes that dance alongside the peas and sauce.
• Chives (for serving): Sliced chives lend gentle onion flavor and a pretty finishing touch.

Variations

A huge part of why Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas is on heavy rotation in my kitchen is how easy it is to riff on. Whether you’re accommodating guests or working with what’s in your fridge, you’ll love how flexible this dish can be.

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Simply swap in gluten-free bread or skip the bread entirely for a lighter, wheat-free version.
• Herb Swap: If you’re out of dill, try fresh tarragon, parsley, or chervil for an equally tasty herby lift.
• Alternate Fish: No salmon? Use thick skin-on fillets of steelhead trout or Arctic char following the same method.
• Creamy Peas: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche with the peas for a touch of richness.

How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Start by preheating your broiler and arranging the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Give each one a brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt, then broil them just until golden brown—trust me, they’ll go from pale to perfect in under two minutes, so watch closely!

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

While your bread is toasting, whip up that dreamy lemon garlic butter sauce. Follow your go-to recipe, then keep it warm over the lowest heat, whisking now and then to keep it silky and emulsified.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon Perfectly

Cut the salmon into four equal fillets (about 6 ounces each). Sprinkle kosher salt and cracked pepper in your unheated skillet, then nestle the salmon in, skin-side down, and season the tops, too. Heat the pan to medium-high and let the salmon cook undisturbed—watch as the sides slowly turn opaque and the skin crisps, about 6–7 minutes. Flip and finish cooking until the flesh is just barely translucent in the center, 6–8 minutes more, then let rest off the heat for five minutes for absolute juiciness.

Step 4: Make the Dill Peas

While the salmon rests, drop the frozen peas into a pot of boiling salted water. Three minutes is all they need—drain, return to the pot, and toss in a few spoons of lemon garlic butter sauce and a big handful of fresh dill. Taste, then season with more salt, pepper, and butter sauce as you love.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the warm, buttery peas onto each plate, lay your salmon fillets on top, and drizzle with extra sauce. Add a flurry of sliced chives and more dill, then tear that toasty bread into bite-sized shards and scatter it over. Every plate is a celebration of color, texture, and big flavor.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas

Garnishes

For that eye-catching finish, scatter fresh chives and dill right before serving—the green flecks pop against the salmon and peas. A little extra zest from a lemon adds beautiful aroma and color, too. If you love crunch, another smattering of toasted bread crumbs or seeds never hurts!

Side Dishes

Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas is truly a complete meal, but if you’re entertaining, pair it with a simple leafy salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted baby potatoes. A chilled crisp white wine pulls it all together with minimal fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salmon fillets family-style over a bed of dill peas, all on one big platter with the lemon butter sauce drizzled dramatically over everything. Or for a more playful touch, layer peas in shallow bowls, top with bite-sized salmon pieces, and scatter shards of bread for a rustic, modern look—great for an elegant spring luncheon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place the salmon and peas in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. It’s best to store the toasted bread separately, so it keeps its crunch when you’re ready for round two!

Freezing

The lemon butter sauce and peas freeze surprisingly well—just let them cool, seal tightly, and freeze for up to a month. I recommend enjoying the salmon fresh for the best texture, though you can freeze it if needed (wrap tightly and thaw gently in the fridge).

Reheating

To reheat, cover the salmon loosely and warm at a low temperature in the oven (about 275ºF) until just heated through. Gently rewarm the peas and sauce on the stovetop, stirring frequently—add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Butter Salmon with Dill Peas is the kind of meal that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your table, whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests. Try it once, and I promise it’ll become a much-requested favorite in your kitchen. Here’s to bright flavors, buttery goodness, and sharing something truly delicious—you deserve it!

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