Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to enjoy salmon: Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce! This dish is not only incredibly simple to whip up, but it’s also bursting with flavor and packed with healthy goodness. Salmon is such a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for heart health, and when you top it off with that creamy dill yogurt sauce, wow, it’s a match made in culinary heaven! I remember the first time I made this—it was a busy weeknight, and I thought, “What can I make that’s quick but also feels like a treat?” And this recipe was my answer! Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table too.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How to Prepare Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce
- First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want your salmon to cook perfectly as soon as it hits that heat!
- While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps keep the salmon from sticking.
- Now, place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. It’s like giving them a cozy little bed to bake in!
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the fillets. Don’t be shy! This adds flavor and keeps the salmon moist.
- Next, sprinkle the salt and black pepper on top. This is where the seasoning magic happens, so make sure to cover the fillets evenly.
- Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has that gorgeous pink color in the center. Yum!
- While the salmon is baking, let’s whip up that delicious dill yogurt sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
- Once your salmon is out of the oven and beautifully cooked, it’s time to serve! Place a generous dollop of that creamy dill yogurt sauce right on top of each fillet. Trust me, it takes this dish to a whole new level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy ingredients packed with omega-3s, great for your heart.
- Flavorful dish with a creamy dill yogurt sauce that elevates the salmon.
- Simple cooking method with minimal cleanup thanks to the parchment paper.
- Perfectly portioned, so you can feel good about serving it to family or guests.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t overcook the salmon—trust me, it’s easy to do. Keep an eye on it around the 15-minute mark. You want it to be just cooked through and flaky; no one likes dry salmon!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try marinating the salmon in olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dill for about 30 minutes before baking. This adds a fabulous depth of flavor. Also, if you’re not a fan of garlic, you can totally skip it in the sauce or swap it for a bit of garlic powder for a milder taste.
Lastly, adjust the seasoning to your taste! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add a pinch more salt or a splash more lemon juice if you want that extra zing. Enjoy the process—cooking should be fun!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for my Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce! Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But overall, this dish is a hearty and healthy option!
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 40g
This dish not only tastes amazing but also gives you a great boost of protein and healthy fats. So, dig in and enjoy all those nutritious benefits!
FAQ About Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before baking. This will help it cook evenly and get that lovely flaky texture we’re after.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary a bit.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a handy tool for this!
Can I make the dill yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before serving, and you’re good to go!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce makes for a fantastic meal prep option. Just cook the salmon, prepare the sauce, and pack it up with your favorite sides for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce, I love serving it with a side of roasted vegetables—think asparagus, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes! They complement the salmon perfectly and add a nice pop of color to your plate. You could also pair it with a light quinoa salad or some fluffy rice to soak up that delicious yogurt sauce. And don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zing! Enjoy your meal—it’s all about balance and flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! You can store your Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep the sauce separate from the salmon to maintain that fresh flavor!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the salmon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overheat it, or it could get a bit dry. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Print
Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A healthy and flavorful baked salmon dish topped 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 Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Serve the salmon topped with the dill yogurt sauce.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Baked Salmon, Dill Yogurt Sauce, Healthy Dinner