Baked Salmon Dill Lemon

The first time I made this salmon was on a Tuesday when I needed something that felt special but wouldn't keep me in the kitchen past 7 PM. My kitchen filled with that bright lemon scent as it baked, and I remember thinking this might be the easiest impressive dinner I'd ever discovered. Now it is the weeknight fallback I turn to when I want restaurant quality results without the fuss.

Last summer my sister came over exhausted from work, and I put this in the oven while we caught up on the patio. She took one bite of that creamy dill sauce and asked for the recipe before she even finished her plate. Some dishes just have that way of making a regular Tuesday feel like a small occasion.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Skin on helps keep the fish moist during baking, but skinless works fine too
• Olive oil: Creates a beautiful light coating that helps the seasoning stick
• Fresh dill: No substitute here, the fresh herb is what makes the sauce sing
• Lemon: Both the zest and juice are essential for that bright tangy flavor
• Unsalted butter: Melted into the sauce for richness without overwhelming the fish
• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess while keeping things lighter than traditional cream sauces
• Garlic clove: One clove gives just enough background warmth
• Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient that ties everything together

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Prep the salmon:

Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin side down on your prepared tray

Season simply:

Brush each fillet with olive oil and season with salt and pepper

Bake to perfection:

Cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork

Make the magic sauce:

Whisk together dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, yogurt, garlic, and mustard until smooth

Bring it together:

Spoon that bright sauce over each fillet right when they come out of the oven

Finish with flair:

Add fresh dill and lemon slices if you are feeling fancy

Save

This became my go to for dinner parties because I can prep everything ahead and still have time to actually talk to my guests. Something about that combination of rich fish and bright sauce makes people slow down and really enjoy their meal.

Perfect Pairings

After years of serving this with every possible side, some combinations just work better than others. Steamed asparagus with a little butter matches the lightness of the fish while roasted potatoes add substance without heaviness.

Sauce Secrets

I have learned that letting the sauce sit for even ten minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully. The garlic mellows out and the dill becomes more pronounced, creating something that tastes like it simmered for much longer than it actually did.

Make It Yours

Substitutions can work when you need them, but knowing what to change matters. Crème fraîche gives an incredibly luxurious sauce if you want to indulge. A quick marinade in lemon juice and olive oil before baking adds another layer of bright flavor that really makes the fish sing.

• Pat the salmon really dry before seasoning for the best sear like texture
• Room temperature sauce ingredients combine more smoothly
• Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that looks elegant but comes together with such ease. This salmon is proof that simple ingredients treated right can create something magical.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to bake salmon for this dish?

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake salmon fillets skin-side down on parchment lined tray. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.

→ Can I prepare the dill and lemon sauce ahead?

Yes, the dill and lemon sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Crème fraîche works well as a richer alternative if you prefer a creamier sauce with a milder tang.

→ How should I season the salmon before baking?

Lightly brush salmon with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors before baking.

→ What side dishes complement this salmon preparation?

Steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad pair beautifully to balance the fresh and tangy elements.