Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Tender salmon fillets baked in the oven and served with a tangy lemon dill sauce that brightens the rich flavor of the fish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 2 salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet and brush each with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While the salmon bakes, combine 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Step 4: Serve the baked salmon topped with 2 tbsp of the lemon dill sauce per fillet for a fresh, creamy complement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The dill in the sauce was fresh and aromatic. I doubled the sauce recipe because it disappeared faster than the salmon!
- ★★★★★
Simple but elegant—baked it for my partner's birthday with asparagus and quinoa. The sauce cut through the richness beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant-quality results without the stress. The lemon zest made the dish bright and fresh—my go-to for date nights.
