Slow-Roasted Salmon with Dill and Lemon Salsa Verde

By Ben MimsCooking Columnist

Feb. 12, 2020 7 AM PT

A simple side of salmon gets showered with an Italian-style salsa verde, made with dill, walnuts and lemon, as soon as it comes out of the oven to add brightness to the rich fish. Make the salsa verde up to 1 day in advance and keep chilled until ready to use.

Slow-Roasted Salmon with Dill and Lemon Salsa Verde

45 minutes. Serves 4 to 6.

Ingredients

1 skinless side of salmon (2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1 lemon
1 packed cup roughly chopped dill fronds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the salmon in a shallow baking dish that fits it with at least 1 inch around all sides. Rub the fillet on the top and bottom with some olive oil then season with salt and pepper.
Bake until the salmon is opaque on the outside and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet reads 120 degrees for medium doneness, 30 to 45 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet (if you want your salmon just cooked through, take it to 130 degrees).
Meanwhile, toast the fennel and cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and crush to a rough powder (or crush the seeds with a heavy skillet on your cutting board). Using a microplane, finely grate the zest from the lemon into a bowl then halve and juice the lemon into the bowl. Stir in the crushed spices, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the dill and walnuts. Season the salsa verde with salt and pepper.
Remove the pan from the oven and scatter the salsa verde all over the top of the salmon. Let the fillet rest for 5 minutes then serve family-style, straight from the baking dish with the side of your choice.