Description
This 20 Minute Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are seasoned and oven-baked, then topped with a rich and tangy sauce made from Greek yogurt, butter, lemon juice, and herbs, garnished with fresh green onions for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 lb Salmon filet (approx. 1 lb)
- Salt and pepper, as desired
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (divided)
Creamy Lemon Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Thyme (dried)
- 2 Tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Green onions (sliced)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder (remaining)
Instructions
- Preheat and season: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse the salmon filet under cold water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season the salmon evenly with salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder (1/4 tsp).
- Bake the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Prepare the sauce: While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt, dried thyme, lemon juice, remaining garlic powder (1/4 tsp), salt, and pepper. Mix the sauce thoroughly until smooth and heated through, but avoid boiling.
- Serve and garnish: After the salmon is cooked, remove from oven and plate. Drizzle the creamy lemon sauce generously over the salmon fillets. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Do not overcook the salmon; aim for moist, tender flesh.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang without heaviness; full-fat or low-fat versions can be used.
- The sauce can be warmed gently but should not be boiled to prevent yogurt curdling.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor in the sauce.
- Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for mild heat.
