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Perfect Baked Salmon Recipe with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce Made Easy

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A quick and easy baked salmon recipe featuring a creamy lemon dill sauce that is both tangy and comforting. Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties, this dish delivers tender, flaky salmon with a vibrant sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 g) fresh salmon fillet, skin-on for best texture
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for baking and garnish)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Let the oven fully heat up before placing the fish inside.
  2. Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil and lightly brushing with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub olive oil evenly over the top and sides, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place lemon slices on top of the salmon.
  4. Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (about 14 minutes for a 1.5-inch thick piece), until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking.
  5. While the salmon bakes, prepare the creamy lemon dill sauce by combining sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Serve the salmon warm with the creamy lemon dill sauce spooned generously on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra dill sprigs or a wedge of lemon if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to avoid soggy texture. Use room temperature sour cream or Greek yogurt for smoother sauce. Rotate baking sheet halfway if salmon cooks unevenly. Add a pinch of sugar to sauce if lemon is too sharp. Rest salmon after baking for moist texture. For dairy-free sauce, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew-based cream. Avoid freezing the sauce as it may separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon dill sauce, creamy sauce, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, quick dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option