Introduction

Salmon has always been a timeless favorite for seafood lovers, but when paired with a silky creamy dill sauce, it becomes an absolute showstopper. This dish is the epitome of elegance yet surprisingly easy to prepare. The salmon is baked to perfection in the oven—juicy, tender, and flaky—while the sauce adds a luxurious touch with hints of dill, lemon, and garlic.

This recipe is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. The oven-baking method ensures consistent results with minimal effort, and the creamy dill sauce elevates the natural richness of salmon without overpowering it.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it balances simplicity with sophistication. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to prepare sides or simply relax. The creamy dill sauce is what makes it exceptional—it’s tangy, fresh, and comforting all at once.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can pair it with vegetables, rice, pasta, or even a crisp salad. And the flavor combination of dill, lemon, and salmon is a classic that never goes out of style.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s foolproof—oven baking ensures even cooking without drying the salmon.
• The creamy dill sauce is the perfect pairing, adding freshness and richness.
• It works for everyday meals yet is elegant enough for dinner parties.
• It’s healthy and satisfying—packed with protein, omega-3s, and wholesome flavors.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both effortless and impressive, this is it.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~490 kcal
  (includes sauce, excludes optional sides)

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / European-inspired

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on recommended)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

For the Creamy Dill Sauce:

• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for richness)
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Salmon:
   • Pat salmon fillets dry. Place on prepared baking sheet.
   • Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and sprinkle with zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake Salmon:
   • Bake for 15–20 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and internal temp reaches 135–145°F (depending on preference).
4. Prepare Dill Sauce:
   • While salmon bakes, whisk together sour cream, mayo, dill, mustard, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Serve:
   • Plate salmon fillets, spoon creamy dill sauce over the top, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Dry salmon fillets and season with olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake until tender and flaky (15–20 minutes).
4. Mix sour cream, mayo, dill, mustard, lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper for sauce.
5. Remove salmon from oven, top with dill sauce, and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve salmon with sauce spooned on top or on the side.
• Pair with steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, wild rice, or a light salad.
• For a lighter meal, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill sprigs for an elegant presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overbake salmon—pull it out when it just flakes. It will continue cooking slightly after removing from oven.
• Fresh dill is key! If using dried dill, reduce amount to 1 tsp.
• For extra creaminess, use full-fat sour cream or add a touch of cream cheese.
• You can make the dill sauce up to 2 days ahead—the flavors improve as it rests.

Variations

• Herbed Yogurt Sauce: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and add parsley or chives.
• Garlic Butter Salmon: Skip the sauce and drizzle fillets with garlic butter before baking.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Honey Mustard Salmon: Swap the dill sauce for honey mustard glaze.
• Salmon Tray Bake: Add vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Salmon: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags.
• Freezing Dill Sauce: Not recommended (dairy-based sauces can separate). Make fresh when serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment
• Mixing bowl and whisk (for sauce)
• Meat thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh is best. Use only 1 tsp dried dill as it’s stronger in flavor.

Q2: Can I use salmon without skin?
Yes, but skin-on keeps the salmon moist during baking.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream for the sauce.

Q4: What’s the best internal temp for salmon?
135°F for medium or 145°F for fully cooked.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and elegance. The oven-baking method keeps the salmon moist and flaky, while the creamy dill sauce enhances its richness with fresh, tangy notes.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet refined enough for a dinner party. If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, healthy, and gourmet at the same time, this recipe is a must-try.