Imagine a perfectly golden, pan-seared salmon fillet, resting on a vibrant bed of sweet green peas studded with salty, crispy bacon. This dish brings together classic, comforting flavors in a way that feels both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. What makes it so special is the bright, zesty lemon-dill vinaigrette that gets drizzled over everything, tying the rich salmon, savory bacon, and sweet peas together in perfect harmony. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can have on your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a sophisticated weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying lunch.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
For the Salmon and Peas:
- 2 (6-oz) Salmon Fillets, skinless
- 3 slices Bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Frozen Peas
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper
For the Lemon Dill Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Whole Grain Mustard
- 1 Lemon, zest and juice
- Salt and Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Crisp the Bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a large, cold non-stick skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the bacon cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tbsp of olive oil, fresh dill, parsley, whole grain mustard, and the zest and juice of one lemon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
- Sear the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Once hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C). Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate.
- Cook the Peas: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the frozen peas directly to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and warmed through. They will pick up all the delicious flavor from the pan.
- Combine and Serve: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet with the peas and stir to combine. To serve, create a bed of the pea and bacon mixture on each plate. Place a salmon fillet on top.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Drizzle the lemon dill sauce generously over the salmon and peas. Garnish with an extra sprig of dill if desired, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Render the Bacon: Starting the bacon in a cold pan allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon bits without burning.
- Don’t Waste the Fat: The rendered bacon fat is liquid gold! Searing the salmon and cooking the peas in it adds a wonderful layer of savory, smoky flavor to the entire dish.
- Perfectly Seared Salmon: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the salmon. This creates a beautiful golden crust and prevents sticking. Avoid moving the salmon for the first few minutes of cooking to allow the crust to form.
- Sauce Versatility: This lemon dill sauce is fantastic on more than just salmon. Try it on other fish, grilled chicken, or as a dressing for a green salad. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use pancetta instead of bacon. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use 1 tsp each of dried dill and parsley, but fresh is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce should be stored separately.
There you have it – a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying Pan-Seared Salmon dish that comes together in a flash. The combination of crispy, salty bacon and the bright, herby lemon sauce makes this simple recipe a true standout. We hope you love every bite of this delightful meal! Happy cooking!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 730; Protein: 48g; Fat: 55g (Saturated Fat: 11g); Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 7g); Sodium: 680mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
