Slow Cooker Lemon Dill Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want something healthy without turning on the oven. The slow cooker gently steams the salmon, locking in moisture and flavor. It’s a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be served with a variety of sides like vegetables, rice, or salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon fillets (skin on or off, your choice)
fresh dill (or dried dill)
lemon (sliced and juiced)
garlic (minced)
olive oil
salt
black pepper
onion (optional, sliced for extra flavor)
parchment paper or foil (for lining the slow cooker)

Directions

1. Line the bottom of the slow cooker with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.
2. Place sliced onions (if using) at the bottom of the slow cooker to act as a bed for the salmon.
3. Lay the salmon fillets on top of the onions or directly on the liner.
4. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Sprinkle with minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper.
6. Place lemon slices over the top of the salmon.
7. Cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
8. Carefully lift the salmon from the slow cooker and serve with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Cooking time: 1.5 to 2 hours on low
Prep time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Use fresh parsley or tarragon in place of dill for a different herbal twist.
• Add capers for a briny, Mediterranean flavor.
• Include sliced zucchini or asparagus under the salmon to cook along with the fish.
• Swap olive oil for melted ghee or avocado oil if desired.
• For a hint of spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be eaten cold in salads or wraps the next day.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen salmon in the slow cooker?

It’s best to thaw the salmon first for even cooking, but in a pinch, you can cook it from frozen by adding an extra 30 minutes to the cook time.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, use about one-third the amount of dried dill in place of fresh.

Will the salmon be overcooked in a slow cooker?

Not if you keep the cooking time on low and monitor for doneness around the 1.5-hour mark.

Can I add vegetables to cook with the salmon?

Yes, sliced zucchini, carrots, or asparagus can be added under or around the salmon.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and can be used in salads, wraps, or grain bowls for the next few days.

Should the skin be removed before cooking?

It’s optional. Cooking with the skin on can help keep the fillet together and add flavor.

What sides go well with lemon dill salmon?

Steamed vegetables, wild rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad all pair nicely.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure the salmon fillets fit in a single layer for even cooking.

Does the slow cooker need to be preheated?

No, just place everything in the slow cooker and start cooking on low.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lemon Dill Salmon is a wonderfully easy and healthy recipe that delivers delicious results with minimal effort. Perfectly tender and infused with bright lemon and dill, this dish is sure to become a favorite for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals. Try it once, and you’ll see how effortless and flavorful salmon can be.

Slow Cooker Lemon Dill Salmon

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Slow Cooker Lemon Dill Salmon is a light, flaky, and flavorful dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the freshness of dill. This easy, healthy recipe ensures perfectly cooked salmon with minimal effort, ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, your choice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
• 1 lemon, sliced and juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
• Parchment paper or foil (for lining the slow cooker)

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Instructions

1. Line the bottom of the slow cooker with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.
2. If using, layer sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker as a base.
3. Place the salmon fillets on top of the onions or directly on the liner.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice evenly over the fillets.
5. Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper over the salmon.
6. Top each fillet with lemon slices.
7. Cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
8. Carefully lift out the salmon and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

• For best results, do not overcook—check for doneness at the 1.5-hour mark.
• Use fresh or dried dill depending on availability.
• This dish can be served warm or cold in wraps, salads, or bowls.
• You can add sliced vegetables underneath to steam along with the salmon.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg