If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy, let me introduce you to my favorite Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce! This recipe is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I want something quick but don’t want to compromise on flavor or nutrition. The salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health, and the creamy dill yogurt sauce adds a refreshing twist. I remember the first time I made this for friends; they couldn’t believe something so tasty could be so easy! Trust me, you’ll love it just as much as I do!
Ingredients List
- 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
How to Prepare Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your salmon cooks evenly and perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This little trick makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the salmon from sticking. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Season the Salmon
Now, let’s get to the star of the show—our beautiful salmon fillets! Place them skin-side down on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the fillets, making sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper on top. I like to use my fingers to rub the seasoning in gently. This helps every bite be flavorful and delicious!
Baking Process
Time to pop the salmon into the oven! Bake it for about 15 to 20 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout—this usually means it’s perfectly cooked. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times can vary a bit depending on the thickness of your fillets. Don’t worry if it looks slightly undercooked when you take it out; it will continue to cook a bit while resting!
Making the Dill Yogurt Sauce
While the salmon is baking, let’s whip up that creamy dill yogurt sauce! In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Stir until everything is well combined. This sauce is not only delicious but also super refreshing—perfect for complementing the richness of the salmon!
Serving Instructions
Once your salmon is ready, it’s time to serve! Place the salmon fillets on plates and generously top each one with the dill yogurt sauce. I love serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fluffy rice pilaf for a complete meal. It’s a delightful combination that brings all the flavors together beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Health-conscious ingredients packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Deliciously creamy dill yogurt sauce adds a burst of flavor.
- Light and refreshing, making it ideal for any season.
- Customizable with your favorite sides—try it with veggies or rice!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as tasty the next day!
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties yet simple enough for everyday meals.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, always check for doneness by using a fork to gently flake the salmon. It should be opaque and flake easily—if it’s still a bit translucent in the center, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Remember, every oven is a little different, so don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
Another little trick? If you’re unsure about the seasoning, take a small piece of salmon, cook it quickly in a pan, and taste it. This way, you can adjust the salt and pepper before baking the whole batch. Also, don’t skip on letting the salmon rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful!
Lastly, feel free to experiment with the dill yogurt sauce! If you’re a fan of tanginess, add a bit more lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also make a lovely addition. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers I’m sharing are estimates. For a typical serving of Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 0g
Always feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your dietary needs, and enjoy this nutritious dish knowing it’s good for you!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. It’s best to let it sit in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water for a quicker thaw. The flavor and texture will still be delicious!
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the dill sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different, but it’ll still be tasty!
How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
Great question! The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque all the way through. If it’s still a bit translucent in the center, pop it back in for a few more minutes—better safe than sorry!
Can I make the dill yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Feel free to prepare the dill yogurt sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
What sides pair well with Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce?
I love serving this salmon with a side of roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light salad. The freshness of the dill sauce complements a variety of sides, so pick your favorites!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this scrumptious Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce can be stored easily! Just place any uneaten salmon in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Trust me, it’s still delicious the next day, and the flavors meld together beautifully!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, here’s how to reheat them without losing that wonderful taste and texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful! Heat it in short intervals of about 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. Just keep an eye on it, and you’ll have perfectly warmed salmon ready to savor again!
For more information on the health benefits of salmon, you can check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious side dish, consider trying out this Greek Pasta Salad that pairs wonderfully with salmon!
If you’re interested in more recipes, visit our All Recipes page for a variety of options!
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Baked Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce: 7 Irresistible Benefits
- 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