Oven-Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Oven-Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home. The salmon comes out perfectly flaky and moist every time, while the creamy dill sauce adds a sophisticated touch that makes this dish truly special.

Pure Comfort

There’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly cooked piece of salmon topped with a velvety sauce. The rich, tender fish paired with the creamy, herb-infused sauce creates a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a gentle hug for your taste buds.

Ingredients

Fresh salmon fillets, fresh dill, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper come together to create this delightful dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that complement each other perfectly.

What You Need

4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh dill sprigs for garnish

Time to Cook

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Steps to Make It

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Pat salmon fillets dry and place them on the prepared baking sheet
Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Bake for 18-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily
While salmon bakes, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and salt
Serve salmon topped with the creamy dill sauce

Make It Perfect

Ensure your salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Don’t overcook it, as this can make the salmon dry and less enjoyable.

Mix It Up

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the sauce. Fresh tarragon or chives can be delicious alternatives to dill. You can also add a touch of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra tang.

Perfect Partners

Serve this salmon with roasted asparagus, steamed rice, or quinoa. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this dish.

Busy Day Hero

This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can even prepare the sauce ahead of time to make dinner assembly even quicker.

Work Ahead

The dill sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes dinner preparation even more streamlined.

Save Some For Later

Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will keep for up to 5 days separately. Perfect for meal prep!

Everyone’s Happy

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that works for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining. It’s sophisticated enough for adults yet mild enough for kids to enjoy.

Good For You Too

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D. Using Greek yogurt in place of some of the sour cream can make the sauce even healthier while maintaining its creamy texture.

Easy Clean Up

Using parchment paper means minimal cleanup. One baking sheet and one bowl for the sauce are all you’ll need to wash up after enjoying this delicious meal.

Switch It Up

Try this same recipe with other fish like arctic char or trout. The creamy dill sauce works wonderfully with any mild, flaky fish.

Simply Perfect

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and simple, making it an ideal choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely first.
Can I use dried dill?
Fresh is best, but use 1 tablespoon dried if needed.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily and be opaque throughout.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free sour cream alternatives.
Can I grill the salmon instead?
Absolutely, grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
Will the sauce work with other fish?
Yes, it’s versatile and works with most fish.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate.

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, can create an extraordinary meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give it a try, and it might just become your new favorite way to prepare salmon.

If you loved this Oven-Baked Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce, you might also enjoy trying some other delicious seafood and pasta dishes. For a comforting and rich meal, check out this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, packed with bold flavors and a creamy texture. If you’re in the mood for more seafood, these Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a luxurious treat. Looking for a light yet flavorful option? This Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet will brighten your plate with its citrusy goodness. And if you want to explore another salmon-based dish, try this Salmon Sushi Bake for a creative twist on a classic favorite. Finally, round out your meal with a creamy side like this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy your culinary journey!