If I had to pick one recipe that makes me feel like I’ve got my life together, it’s this baked salmon. There’s something about the way tender salmon pairs with a lemon dill sauce that just feels like the universe finally decided to give us a win. And between you and me, I don’t always win in the kitchen. But when I pull this out of the oven, even my picky eater looks impressed. This isn’t just another recipe with salmon, it’s the kind of recipe salmon wishes it always got invited to. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it doesn’t make you feel like you’ve run a marathon by the time dinner hits the table. I’ve tried plenty of salmon recipes over the years, and honestly, this one just makes sense. It’s the recipe for baked salmon I come back to again and again. The sauce is smooth but tangy, the dill adds freshness, and the lemon brings that pop of brightness we all secretly crave. Easy salmon recipes like this remind us that a good meal doesn’t have to feel complicated. It can just be good food, made with a little love, and enjoyed with people who matter.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
- 4) How to Make Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
- 5) Tips for Making Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
- 6) Making Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
- 8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
- 9) Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Baked salmon recipes are quick and rewarding for weeknight meals.
- Fresh dill and lemon brighten the flavor of salmon naturally.
- A yogurt-based sauce keeps it light yet satisfying.
- Leftovers transform easily into salads or pasta dishes.
2) Easy Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe
I love baked salmon recipes because they check all the boxes. They’re simple, quick, and feel like you’ve gone the extra mile without actually sweating over the stove. When I make this dish, I know I’ll sit down to something nourishing that doesn’t drain all my energy getting there. It’s the kind of meal that makes dinner feel less like a chore and more like a small win.
Cooking salmon this way also gives me confidence. I’ve tried recipes with salmon that made me nervous about timing or flavor balance. This one never does. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and feels like it belongs on any table, whether it’s just me at the counter or a family gathering with a lot of chatter. The sauce adds enough zing to make the whole thing feel elevated without trying too hard.
If you’ve been scrolling for salmon recipes that feel doable, here’s your stop. This recipe salmon dish blends tender fish with creamy tang and a pop of freshness. It feels familiar but special, which is my sweet spot for easy salmon recipes.

3) Ingredients for Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Salmon Fillets: Choose four fillets, each about six ounces. I like thicker cuts since they stay juicy while baking.
Olive Oil: Just enough to brush over the salmon before baking. It helps create a soft crust and keeps the fish from drying out.
Salt and Pepper: A basic step but so important. Season both sides well so the salmon has flavor from the start.
Greek Yogurt: Half a cup makes the sauce creamy without feeling heavy. It also adds a subtle tang that works perfectly with lemon.
Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons for smoothness and richness in the sauce. It blends beautifully with the yogurt.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest add brightness that cuts through the richness of the fish.
Dill: Two teaspoons of fresh chopped dill or one teaspoon dried. Dill is the herb that makes this dish shine.
Garlic: Just one clove, minced fine, to give the sauce a gentle kick without overpowering the fish.

4) How to Make Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. This makes cleanup so much easier and keeps the salmon from sticking.
Step 2. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet. Brush them with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. I always take a second to press the seasoning in lightly so it sticks.
Step 3. Bake the salmon for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Resist the urge to overbake; that’s when salmon turns dry.
Step 4. While the salmon bakes, mix the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and garlic. Taste it once—if you like more zing, squeeze in a little extra lemon.
Step 5. When the salmon is done, spoon the sauce over the top. It looks pretty, smells amazing, and ties everything together.

5) Tips for Making Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
One of the best tips I’ve picked up is to let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Just two or three minutes makes the juices settle so the fish tastes tender with every bite. I learned that trick after rushing a batch once, and it really does make a difference.
If you’re out of fresh dill, dried dill works too. I’ve made it both ways, and while fresh has that grassy note, dried still gives the sauce its signature flavor. Just use half the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
For a little variation, try slipping thin lemon slices under the salmon before baking. They not only keep the fish moist but also infuse it with subtle citrus flavor. It’s like giving the baked salmon recipes you know a small upgrade with no extra effort.
6) Making Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce Ahead of Time
I’ve found this recipe works well when prepped ahead. You can whisk the sauce a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. The flavors mingle overnight and become even better. Just give it a quick stir before serving. That’s my kind of prep work—minimal but rewarding.
If you want to bake the salmon earlier, I suggest slightly undercooking it, then warming it gently before serving. This way it stays juicy and doesn’t overcook when reheated. I usually cover it loosely with foil when reheating to trap in moisture.
It’s the kind of recipe salmon lovers appreciate for weeknight dinners when time feels short but you still want food that comforts and nourishes.
7) Storing Leftover Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Leftover salmon stores well in the fridge for up to three days if kept in an airtight container. The sauce can stay fresh just as long. I sometimes store them separately so the salmon doesn’t get soggy.
Cold salmon flakes beautifully into salads the next day. It adds protein and feels like a brand-new meal with very little work. If I’m feeling hungrier, I toss it into pasta with a squeeze of lemon and call it dinner.
Reheating is simple—use a low oven setting and cover with foil. This keeps the fish moist and lets you enjoy that baked salmon recipes magic twice.
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe

Baked Salmon Recipes with Lemon Dill Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake salmon for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- While salmon bakes, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and garlic in a small bowl.
- Remove salmon from oven and spoon the lemon dill sauce over the top before serving.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce | Calories: 320 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 3g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1g | Sodium: 420mg
Written by Linda for Cook Daily Recipe





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