2 Shares

When you’re craving a healthy recipe that feels both gourmet and comforting, Oven-Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is the perfect dinner idea. With tender, flaky salmon baked to perfection and a silky, homemade dill sauce draped over the top, this dish strikes the balance between elegance and ease. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a meal for two, or simply cooking for yourself, this step by step cooking guide ensures success every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a salmon dinner that looks restaurant-worthy yet requires minimal effort. This oven-baked salmon recipe is an easy recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation because:

It’s foolproof simply season, bake, and serve.
The creamy dill sauce adds a bright, tangy, herbaceous touch.
It’s healthy yet indulgent, making it great for both casual meals and special occasions.
The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Imagine the aroma of salmon sizzling in the oven while you whisk together a luscious sauce. The moment you plate it with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, you’ll feel like you’ve just created something special. This is one of those homemade recipes that prove healthy food doesn’t have to be boring it can be vibrant, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.

What Makes It Healthy & Special

Unlike heavy fried dishes, this salmon recipe relies on oven-baking, which keeps the fish moist without excess oil. Salmon itself is a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and essential vitamins like B12 and D. Pairing it with a creamy dill sauce made from Greek yogurt (instead of heavy cream) lightens the dish while still delivering a luxurious taste.

What sets this recipe apart is its flexibility. You can swap ingredients, adjust spices, or even make it dairy-free. It’s Mediterranean-inspired with its emphasis on herbs, lemon, and olive oil, but adaptable to almost any cuisine style. Plus, the sauce doubles as a dip for veggies or a spread for wraps talk about versatility!

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp (5 g) sea salt
½ tsp (2 g) black pepper
½ tsp (2 g) paprika (optional, for color)

For the Creamy Dill Sauce

1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
2 tbsp (30 g) mayonnaise (adds silkiness, optional)
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp (8 g) fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

1 tsp honey (for a slightly sweet sauce)
1 tbsp capers (for a briny touch)

Instructions / Method

Follow these step by step cooking instructions for perfect results every time.

Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a baking dish.
Prepare the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel this helps crisp edges.
- Place fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet.
Season the Fish
- Brush with olive oil and rub evenly with garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Lay lemon slices on top for flavor and presentation.
Bake the Salmon
- Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
- Visual cue: salmon should flake easily with a fork but remain moist.
- Pro Tip: Use a thermometer perfect doneness is at 63°C / 145°F.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
Add Flavor Elements
- Mix in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dill.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste & Adjust
- Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or dill if needed.
- Optional: Stir in honey or capers for variation.
Rest the Salmon
- Remove from oven and let rest 3 minutes this locks in juices.
Plating
- Place salmon on plates, spoon over the creamy dill sauce, and garnish with extra fresh dill.
Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted asparagus, quinoa, or a mixed greens salad.
Serve warm, with lemon wedges on the side.

Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare the dill sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container.

Recipe Information Box

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean-American Fusion

Notes / Tips

Variations

Spicy: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free as written.
Keto/Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for sauce.

Substitutions

Olive oil → avocado oil or melted butter.
Greek yogurt → sour cream or dairy-free yogurt.
Dill → parsley or chives for a milder herb flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Fridge: Store cooked salmon and sauce separately, up to 3 days.
Freezer: Salmon freezes well for up to 2 months (without sauce).
Reheating: Warm gently at 160°C / 325°F to avoid dryness.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Dry salmon: Overbaking check early and use a thermometer.
Curdled sauce: Whisk ingredients at room temp before mixing.

Tools & Equipment

Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
Parchment paper
Whisk & mixing bowls
Instant-read thermometer

Serving Ideas

Serve with a light cucumber salad or garlic mashed potatoes.
Wine pairing: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 370
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 480 mg

Conclusion

This Healthy Oven-Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is more than just a dinner it’s a wholesome, delicious recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With its easy steps, health benefits, and restaurant-quality taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends.