Baked salmon fillets topped with creamy lemon dill sauce and served with asparagus and rice.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

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Fresh, flaky & perfectly seasoned

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s elegant yet effortless, this Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce is it. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are seasoned simply, then baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy lemon dill sauce that feels straight out of a fine restaurant. It’s a light, healthy meal that pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, rice, or salad and it comes together in just 25 minutes! From Emma’s Cake Studio, this is the ultimate weeknight showstopper fresh, bright, and full of flavor.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 lemon slices (for topping while baking)

For the Lemon Dill Sauce

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Spatula
  • Serving platter

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare salmon: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
  3. Bake: Place on prepared sheet and bake 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. (Internal temp should reach 145°F / 63°C.)
  4. Make the sauce: While salmon bakes, whisk together yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, zest, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Serve: Transfer salmon to a serving platter. Spoon lemon dill sauce over each fillet or serve on the side. Garnish with fresh dill or lemon wedges.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overbake: Salmon should be just opaque and flake easily it continues cooking slightly after removal.
  • Customize the sauce: Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard or capers for a gourmet twist.
  • Meal prep: Sauce and salmon can be made 1 day ahead just store separately and assemble before serving.
  • Perfect pairings: Try with garlic roasted asparagus, wild rice, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 fillet + sauce32028g3g21g0g2g