This Oven Baked Lemon Salmon with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce is the perfect healthy meal that comes together in only 30 minutes. The salmon is topped with a simple, yet flavorful Greek yogurt dill sauce for salmon recipe that everyone is sure to love.
The Hubs and I eat salmon about once a week. It is super tasty, healthy and it makes my meat-eating hubby happy. There is a limit to the number of times a week I can cook him chickpeas for dinner before he starts to grumble a bit. 🙂 He's such a good sport, but I know my limits. Mixing in fish once a week is good for all of us.
Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce for Salmon
Since we do eat salmon so much, I am always in search of new ways to enjoy it. After some experimenting, I came up with this amazing Greek yogurt dill sauce for salmon. It's super flavorful with light flavors that pair perfectly with the fish like lemon and dill. It's the perfect low calorie dill sauce for salmon that's still super high in flavor!
Here's why I love this Baked Lemon Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce...
This simple dill sauce really brings out the flavor of the fish and makes it seem even more indulgent, but it is actually super healthy. Don't you love it when food kind of tricks you like that!? The best part is a lot of the ingredients are ones I keep in my fridge on a weekly basis like lemon, garlic, and dill.
Salmon is a perfect base for this sauce because it is simple to cook and really good for you. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a wonderful source of lean protein, selenium, high in vitamins A AND D, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you've shied away from making salmon at home, this is a perfect dish to start with because it bakes simply in the oven! It's just as simple as roasting veggies or another type of meat.
Baked Lemon Salmon with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt: Any type of plain yogurt will work, but I love the thicker consistency (and the extra protein!) of Greek yogurt.
- Shallot: I love the sweet, subtle flavor shallots add to the sauce. You could also use a sweet onion if you don't have a shallot.
- Lemon: Lemon adds a light, fresh flavor to the salmon and the sauce.
- Horseradish: Adds a nice bite to the sauce.
- Garlic powder: I love using garlic powder on fish to evenly spread the garlic flavor without charging actual garlic in the oven.
- Dill: You could technically use fresh or dried dill, but I love using fresh for garnish.
- Salmon: Fresh or frozen salmon can be used. If using fresh, salmon should be fully cooked in 12-14 minutes.
- Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt and pepper
How do you make the salmon?
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together and put them in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice 4 very thin lemon rounds from the center of the lemon. Use the rest of the lemon to squeeze lemon juice on the fish.
- Spread the olive oil on top of the fish and sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top.
- Top each piece of salmon with a thin lemon slice.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is flaky.
- Remove from oven and serve with the Greek yogurt dill sauce.
How do you make the Greek yogurt dill sauce for salmon?
- Mince the shallot.
- Mix together the greek yogurt, shallot, horseradish, dill, garlic powder, and lemon.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. You can serve the Greek yogurt dill sauce for salmon right away but I think it's best if the flavors combine for a little time first.
Tips and tricks for baking salmon
- The maximum internal temperature you want to cook salmon to is 145F, any more than that and the salmon will turn out dry. I try to cook mine to 130-135F.
- To prevent sticking, make sure the salmon skin is completely dry before laying on the baking sheet.
- You can bake the salmon with the skin on or off. You can easily remove the skin after baking if you prefer.
I love the pairing of fresh buttery salmon with the creamy yogurt dill sauce for salmon. It is absolute perfection and the perfect weeknight meal OR it's even nice enough for company.
I hope you will give it a try. As always I'd love to hear what you think in the comments.
What should I serve with salmon?
Here are some of my favorite simple side dishes to serve with salmon.
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
- Roasted Broccoli
- Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Potatoes
- Low Carb Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
The salmon would also be great on top of any salad dish.
More Salmon Recipes to Try...
- Salmon Foil Packets with Rainbow Veggies
- Roasted Salmon Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
- Balsamic Glazed Salmon
- Easy Lemon Pesto Salmon
- Salmon, Asparagus and Tomato in Foil
- Garlic Dill Salmon & Brussels Sprouts One Pan Meal
- Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with Peach Salsa
- Pistachio Crusted Salmon
- Healthy Smoked Salmon Dip
- My Dad's Fail Proof Easy Salmon Recipe
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Baked Lemon Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon prepared horseradish
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, plus additional for garnish
- salt to taste
For the salmon
- 1.5 pounds salmon, about an inch thick, cut into four pieces
- 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together and put in the fridge. You can also do this ahead of time.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Slice 4 very thin lemon rounds from the center of the lemon. Use the rest of the lemon to squeeze lemon juice on the fish.
- Place the salmon fillets on the foil lined baking sheet. Spread the olive oil on top of the fish and sprinkle the garlic powder, salt and pepper on top.
- Top each piece of salmon with a thin lemon slice.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is flaky, and has reached an internal temperature of 135-145F.
- Remove from oven and serve with the Greek yogurt dill sauce for salmon.
Notes
Nutrition
Like my Baked Lemon Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce? Pin this to your favorite Pinterest board!
Sandi M says
I was looking for a new recipe to use some fresh dill from my garden. This salmon and yogurt sauce did not disappoint! It was so easy to make, looks restaurant worthy and is very flavorful! I made more than I needed for one meal with the intent of having it chilled on a salad today. It's going to be a yummy mixed green salad with this topping it!
Farrah says
Ooo, I've been craving salmon lately and this looks amazing! *-* Will hopefully be able to try it soon! :]
Laura says
This is the best salmon recipe I've tried !The sauce is fabulous! I usually think it is a very bland fish.This had so much flavor. I pan fried it instead of baked.(oven broke lol.. ) My husband loved it.
Erinn says
I love all seafood, but especially salmon! We're having lobster this weekend to celebrate my husband's birthday and I can't wait!
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
Alex is a big fan of seafood but I'm not. I may have to surprise him one day by making this for him to enjoy. Looks foolproof which is perfect for me!
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
We love salmon too and I am always up for trying a new recipe! This looks delicious! I'm sending lots of foodie love your way (scheduling a share on Facebook this weekend...got a little behind this week!).
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much :-))))
Miz Helen says
We will just love your Salmon with Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
JulieWunder says
I will! Thanks Miz Helen.
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
I love salmon, and I need to make it a priority to eat it more often! The dill sauce sounds fantastic and just the right addition to addd some healthy flavor to the meal.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Laura. I hope you have the chance to try it.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
This looks amazing, such a great combo of flavors. I love when I can use greek yogurt to make a sauce!
JulieWunder says
ME too! I'll use Greek Yogurt for anything.
Kate says
This sounds delicious. Love the little kick that the horseradish is going to offer.... Going to buy some salmon tomorrow!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kate! I hope you enjoy it.
Mandi Korn says
Did you get a new camera? I feel like your food images have changed, I like them<3 I love Dill and Dill Sauces, and I am lucky that my daughter does too. I usually use sour cream and mayonnaise (not healthy) and have never tried Greek yogurt before. Maybe I will do it the next time that I make our sauce again. Thanks for sharing.
JulieWunder says
Oh cool!! I did not get a new camera. I've been playing around with the lower aperture setting on my 50 prime. I think I just keep learning new things with photography.
I'm looking to upgrade some of my lenses soon. Any suggestions?
Autumn @AutumnPTW says
We love salmon! Great recipe, pinning for later! Thanks for sharing!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Autumn! I hope you enjoy it.
Leslie @ flora foodie says
Oh yummmmm. This is actually so much like a typical dinner for me since going pescetarian. I bake a simple piece of salmon and cover it with a quickie dill dijonaise a lot - just mix together mayo, dijon, and some dried dill. I love it. Definitely going to bring this into the rotation 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Leslie! The sauce makes it feel a little different than the standard baked salmon.
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
This looks so delicious! I love salmon and I’m definitely trying this one soon. Thanks for the recipe!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Rachel!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
I wish I could get my hubby to eat salmon. I can barely cook it in the house without him turning his face up to the smell! This looks fantastic!!
JulieWunder says
Oh no!!! I'm so glad I don't have that problem. My hubby loves fish.
Runaway Bridal Planner says
I don't eat fish. I'll catch em, but not eat them LOL But my parents love Salmon, and mydad won't eat it without dipping sauce. I'll pass this onto my mom for next time she cooks.
JulieWunder says
Haha!! Yes-- thanks for passing it along 🙂
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Salmon and fill are a match made in heaven! Adding Greek yogurt to it takes it to a whole other level!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Heather! I totally agree.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
We don't eat fish any more, but we love making this sauce to put on roasted potatoes. So good!
JulieWunder says
Ohhhh!!! That would be delish! Thanks for the suggestion.
Jess @hellotofit says
Go-to dinners lately have been some sort of chicken dish. I need to make it priority to eat salmon more often!
JulieWunder says
yes! It's easy and delicious.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
I love yogurt sauces on salmon, although usually use them when I serve cold poached salmon, which is my husband's favorite preparation. I never thought to add horseradish before - definitely trying that!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jessica! I hope you enjoy it.
Andrea on Vacation says
I try to eat fish once a week but I'm not as good about it as I should be. This recipe looks easy and yummy! I had salmon burgers from Trader Joes last week- that counts right?!
JulieWunder says
haha! Totally 🙂 Sounds really good too.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Lemon, dill, garlic, yogurt, salmon = perfection. Salmon is so easy, once you figure out your timings and such. And the fat content keeps you from messing it up so easily. Definitely a great fish for people scared of cooking fish to try!
JulieWunder says
I totally agree! It is so simple, yet tastes so fancy 🙂
Jenny says
We love salmon! And your sauce looks so good--why have I never thought to add horseradish to salmon before? That's genius!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jenny! I love the little kick it gives.
Blane Sherer says
I eat salmon once a week or I should
say 2 meals of it one day per week.
I enjoy leftovers of good meals.
JulieWunder says
Leftovers really are the best 🙂