Lemon Dill Salmon Spaghetti

Name: Lemon Dill Salmon Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g spaghetti; 400g salmon fillet; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 2 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh dill, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese; Lemon wedges

Highlighted under: Nourishing Comfort Meals

I absolutely love cooking with fresh ingredients, and this Lemon Dill Salmon Spaghetti is one of my go-to recipes for a quick yet elegant meal. The bright flavors of lemon and dill perfectly complement the tender salmon, while the spaghetti serves as a delightful base that ties everything together. I find this dish not only satisfying to the palate but also visually appealing, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. It’s a dish that truly celebrates the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-19T18:38:21.811Z

When I first made this Lemon Dill Salmon Spaghetti, I was amazed at how just a few fresh ingredients could create such a flavorful dish. The process is straightforward, and I love how the salmon cooks gently while the spaghetti boils. The key is to use high-quality salmon and fresh dill, as they elevate the dish to another level.

One of my favorite tips is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Mixing it back into the sauce adds a beautiful creaminess without needing heavy cream. It's a method I stumbled upon and now I swear by it every time I make this recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and zesty flavor profile that awakens the senses
Healthy and hearty combination of salmon and pasta
Easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh salmon fillet and herbs like dill makes a significant difference in this recipe. Fresh salmon offers a delicate flavor that enhances the overall dish, providing a buttery texture that pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon. Opt for skin-on salmon if you enjoy a crispy skin texture, but remember to score the skin slightly to prevent curling while cooking. Fresh dill, on the other hand, contributes a bright, herbal note that lifts the flavors and brings balance to the richness of the salmon.

When zesting the lemon, be careful to only take the yellow part of the skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. The zest adds an aromatic quality to the sauce, infusing it with citrusy brightness. If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, you can substitute with dried dill, but reduce the amount to about a tablespoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Salmon

To achieve perfectly cooked salmon, it’s important to monitor the cooking time closely. Cooking the salmon for 5-6 minutes on each side over medium heat typically results in a tender inside, but factors like the thickness of your fillet can affect this timing. If your fillet is thicker than 1 inch, consider increasing the cooking time by a minute or two. A great visual cue to look for is when the salmon turns opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork.

If you prefer a little more flavor, consider marinating the salmon for 15-30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade made from extra lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill can further enhance the taste. Additionally, using a non-stick skillet can help reduce the likelihood of the salmon sticking and promote even cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For serving, a sprinkle of additional fresh dill and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese can elevate your dish from simple to restaurant-worthy. Pairing the Lemon Dill Salmon Spaghetti with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette makes for a refreshing complement that balances the richness of the pasta. If you want to add a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or walnuts can be a delightful garnish as well.

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water to maintain moisture. It’s best to flake the salmon and combine it back into the pasta right before serving to preserve its texture. If you’re looking to serve a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients, adjusting cooking times as necessary to accommodate larger batches.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Salmon

300g spaghetti
400g salmon fillet
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh dill, chopped

For Serving

Grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges

Combine the ingredients in a bowl to ensure everything is fresh.

Steps

Boil the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Salmon

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice, zest, and chopped dill, stirring well. Then mix in the reserved pasta water to create a sauce.

Mix it All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the sauce. Flake the salmon into large pieces and gently fold it into the spaghetti.

Serve

Plate the spaghetti and salmon, garnishing with additional fresh dill, lemon wedges, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Make sure to serve while hot for the best taste!

Pro Tips

For extra depth of flavor, you can also add capers to the sauce or substitute the salmon with shrimp for a different twist. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

For best results, if you plan to make this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the pasta and salmon separately, then tossing them together just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming soggy. You can store the cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to two days, and the pasta can be refrigerated as well, although for maximum freshness, it’s best to combine them as close to serving time as possible.

If you’re looking to freeze the dish, it’s recommended to freeze the salmon and pasta separately. You can pre-cook the pasta to al dente, then toss it with a drizzle of olive oil before freezing to minimize sticking. The salmon can be frozen and reheated gently in the oven after thawing overnight in the refrigerator, which helps retain its moisture.

Ingredient Variations

If salmon isn't your favorite, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate other protein options. Grilled shrimp or chicken breast can serve as excellent alternatives, mimicking the same cooking method. Ensure that shrimp are cooked until they turn pink and opaque, which generally takes about 3-4 minutes per side, while chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For a vegetarian variation, consider substituting the salmon with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu. Marinate the tofu in lemon juice and dill to impart flavor before pan-frying until golden. The key is using ingredients that will absorb the sauce well, ensuring the final dish is rich in flavor regardless of your protein choice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for dill?

You can use parsley or basil if you don't have dill on hand, but the flavor will be different.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.

→ Is there a way to add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, peas, or asparagus to the pasta for extra nutrition and flavor.