Sear-Salted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Salmon fillets with a crisp exterior, paired with a cool, herbed yogurt sauce that complements the rich fish flavor. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 17 minutes blends salmon fillets, avocado oil, lemon zest into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 1 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels; season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until smoking slightly. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 3 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While salmon cooks, whisk 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet, place on plate, and spoon yogurt sauce over top. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Salted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sear-Salted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sear-Salted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Yogurt 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 Sear-Salted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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.

Is Sear-Salted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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