The elegance of this Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce lies in its simplicity, perfectly roasted salmon fillets served under a velvety, herb-infused cream. This meal hits all the right notes: quick, flavorful, and packed with healthy omega-3s.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking for an easy way to impress on a weeknight, this dish delivers. Pair it with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh cucumber salad to complete the experience. The creamy dill sauce adds a tangy herbaceous touch that elevates every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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Lemon wedges, for garnish
For the Dill Sauce:
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a crispier top, if desired.
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While the salmon bakes, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl: sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
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Serve the salmon hot, topped with creamy dill sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce: A Healthy, Elegant Dinner Made Easy
When it comes to preparing a satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to make, salmon is always a go-to ingredient. It’s rich, flavorful, nutritious, and cooks in under 15 minutes. This Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is the kind of meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight, yet it’s fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity, a few fresh ingredients, a quick roasting session in the oven, and a tangy, herbaceous dill sauce that elevates every single bite. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned home cook looking for a reliable recipe to keep on repeat, this dish delivers all the flavor with minimal effort.
Why Salmon Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
Salmon is more than just a popular fish, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high in protein, and low in saturated fat, it supports heart health, brain function, and even improves skin appearance. Plus, it’s one of the most versatile proteins you can cook. It pairs beautifully with herbs, citrus, sweet glazes, and creamy sauces.
In this recipe, we focus on baking rather than pan-frying or grilling. Why? Because it guarantees moist, tender salmon every time without needing to babysit it on the stove. A hot oven seals in flavor and gives the fish a gorgeous golden top while the inside stays flaky and juicy.
The Star Ingredient: Fresh Dill
Dill is the unsung hero of this recipe. Its subtle anise-like flavor pairs exceptionally well with the richness of salmon. Dill brings brightness and freshness to the creamy sauce, cutting through the richness of both the fish and the sour cream/mayo base. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.
You can use fresh or dried dill here, but fresh is always best for maximum aroma and color. If using dried dill, reduce the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. One tablespoon of fresh dill equals about one teaspoon of dried.
A Creamy Sauce That Does It All
This dill sauce is a revelation. Made with a simple base of sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh dill, it comes together in just 5 minutes. The lemon juice and zest add zippy acidity, while the sour cream adds tang, and the mayo offers a velvety, rich mouthfeel. You’ll want to slather this on everything from roasted veggies to baked potatoes or grilled chicken.
The sauce is make-ahead friendly and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It even makes a fantastic dip for raw vegetables or crackers.
Flavor Boosters: Spice, Citrus, and Seasoning
This salmon is seasoned simply, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Olive oil keeps it moist, while garlic powder and paprika add subtle warmth and depth. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice ties it all together, brightening up the fish and balancing the creaminess of the dill sauce.
You can easily customize the flavor profile based on your preference:
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Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
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Swap garlic powder for fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor.
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Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a subtle smoky depth.
Choosing the Right Salmon
For this recipe, you can use Atlantic, sockeye, or coho salmon. Here’s how to choose the best fillets:
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Fresh vs. Frozen: Frozen salmon is just as nutritious as fresh. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Always pat dry to remove excess moisture.
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Skin-On vs. Skinless: Skin-on fillets help retain moisture and can crisp up beautifully under the broiler. You can always remove the skin after baking if you prefer.
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Portion Size: Aim for 6 oz portions per person. This is a good serving size that satisfies without overdoing it.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon
This dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Here are a few options:
Vegetables:
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Roasted asparagus
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Steamed green beans
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Lemon-garlic broccoli
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Cucumber salad or Greek salad
Carbohydrates:
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Herbed rice pilaf
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Couscous or quinoa
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Crusty artisan bread
Wine Pairing:
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A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess and herb notes of the dish.
Tip: Try serving it over a bed of lightly dressed arugula or spinach for a low-carb option that’s also visually appealing.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Salmon
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Don’t overcook. Salmon continues to cook even after you take it out of the oven. The perfect internal temperature is 125°F to 130°F for medium doneness.
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Use parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
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Broil for the last 1-2 minutes if you want a little caramelization on top.
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Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
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Herb Mix: Add chopped parsley, chives, or tarragon to the sauce for variety.
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Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to boost the protein and cut calories.
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream or a cashew-based cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
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Lemon Caper Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of chopped capers and extra lemon zest to the sauce for a Mediterranean feel.
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Sheet Pan Meal: Add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or sliced zucchini directly to the baking tray for a one-pan dinner.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salmon and dill sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through or enjoy cold as a salad topper.
The sauce should be consumed within 2–3 days and stirred before serving.
Great for Meal Prep
This salmon makes excellent leftovers, which means it’s ideal for meal prepping. You can make 4–6 portions and pair them with different sides throughout the week. The salmon also works beautifully flaked over a salad, stuffed into a wrap, or served with scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
Baked Salmon: Good for the Body, Beautiful on the Plate
Beyond the flavor and health benefits, this salmon dish is just downright beautiful. The warm golden-pink hue of the roasted fish, the creamy white sauce speckled with fresh green dill, and a few bright lemon slices make it feel like a restaurant-quality dish with zero intimidation.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s elegant, healthy, and easy to make, this Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce checks every box. It’s suitable for special occasions, but simple enough to cook on a Wednesday night when time is short and appetites are big.
Conclusion
Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is more than just a recipe, it’s a kitchen essential. It brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients in a way that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or complicated.
Whether you’re serving it with a chilled glass of white wine and a side of asparagus for a romantic dinner, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish has all the makings of a true keeper. Bookmark it, print it, pin it you’ll be coming back to this one again and again.