Oh my goodness, you guys, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dinner: Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce. It’s a dish that feels fancy yet is so simple to whip up on a busy weeknight. The salmon comes out perfectly flaky and tender, and when you pair it with that creamy dill yogurt sauce? Wow! The flavors just dance together—it’s rich, tangy, and a little herby. Trust me, you’ll want to drizzle that sauce on everything! Plus, it’s a healthy option that’s gluten-free, making it a win-win for anyone seeking a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table!
Ingredients List
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on or off depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin works wonderfully for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t skimp on this; it brings out the salmon’s natural flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best for that lovely kick)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (this is the star of the sauce, so use fresh if you can!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed makes a world of difference)
How to Prepare Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce
Alright, let’s get cooking! This process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your salmon cooks evenly and beautifully crisp on the outside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Once your oven is preheated, take a baking sheet and place your salmon fillets on it. Be sure to line the sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
- Now, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salmon. Make sure each fillet is well-coated; this helps keep the salmon moist while baking.
- Next, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper on top of the fillets. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it enhances that wonderful salmon flavor!
- Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The key here is to watch for that beautiful opaque color and flaky texture. You can check if it’s done by gently pressing down on the fillet with a fork—if it flakes easily, it’s perfect!
- While the salmon is baking, let’s whip up that creamy dill yogurt sauce! In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until it’s smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning if you like; a pinch of salt can really elevate it!
- Once the salmon is done, take it out of the oven, and serve it up with a generous dollop of that delicious dill yogurt sauce on the side. Trust me, it’s the perfect pairing!
And there you have it! A simple yet satisfying dish that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy your meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Healthy and gluten-free, perfect for a nutritious dinner.
- Flavorful combination of tender baked salmon and creamy dill yogurt sauce.
- Great for weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Customizable with different herbs or sides to suit your taste.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce turns out perfectly, here are a few tips! First, when choosing your salmon, look for fillets that are bright and moist with no brown spots—fresh is best! If you can, get wild-caught salmon for the best flavor. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your liking; if you enjoy a little kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the yogurt sauce. And finally, let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to allow those juices to settle—this makes it even more tender and delicious. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition of this delightful Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (that’s one fillet with sauce):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used (like the type of yogurt or salmon). But one thing’s for sure—this meal is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a fantastic choice for a wholesome dinner!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! You can use frozen salmon for this recipe, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just make sure to thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re in a hurry. Once thawed, follow the same instructions, but check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier, as frozen fillets might take a bit longer to bake through. You want that beautiful flaky texture!
What can I serve with baked salmon?
There are so many delicious sides that pair beautifully with Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce! I love serving it alongside roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for a colorful plate. You can also go for a light rice pilaf or quinoa to soak up that creamy sauce. A fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice crunch too! The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover salmon (which is rare in my house!), just let it cool down to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, you can gently reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold on a salad or in a sandwich for a quick lunch—so good!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Don’t worry if you can’t find every ingredient—there are plenty of great substitutes! If fresh dill isn’t available, feel free to swap it with fresh parsley or chives for a different but still delicious flavor. For the yogurt, Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess, but regular plain yogurt works just fine too. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt instead—it’ll still give you that creamy texture! And if you prefer a bit more zing, you can add a splash of vinegar or an extra squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce. Get creative and make it your own!
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Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce: 5 Star Flavor Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked salmon served with a creamy dill yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, dill, and lemon juice.
- Serve salmon with dill yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
- Serve with a side of vegetables or rice.
- Can substitute dill with parsley or chives.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Baked Salmon, Dill Yogurt Sauce, Salmon Recipe, Healthy Dinner