Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce is a healthy, quick, and flavorful dish featuring tender wild-caught salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy sauce made from fresh dill, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt. This vibrant recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a perfect balance of bright citrus and herb flavors while requiring minimal cleanup.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (wild-caught preferred, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon Dill Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the olive oil and seasonings adhere well. Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for optimal flavor and a crispy finish.
- Prepare the Lemon Dill Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, freshly chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir everything together until you get a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the salmon perfectly.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a lined baking sheet or dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve with Lemon Dill Sauce: Spoon the lemon dill sauce generously over each warm salmon fillet. The residual heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Optionally, garnish with extra dill sprigs and lemon wedges for a fresh and colorful presentation.
Notes
- Choose even-sized salmon fillets to ensure uniform cooking.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the salmon moist and tender.
- Use fresh dill rather than dried for a vibrant herbal flavor.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices.
- Use both lemon juice and zest to enhance citrus flavor without adding acidity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill sauce, healthy dinner, quick salmon recipe, easy fish dinner, omega-3 salmon, gluten free seafood