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Best Mediterranean Salmon with Zesty Lemon Dill Yogurt


  • Author: Lily author
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful salmon dish topped with a creamy lemon dill yogurt sauce. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.


Ingredients

  • Salmon Fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • Lemon (fresh juice and zest)
  • Garlic (freshly minced)
  • Dried Oregano
  • Paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • Salt (coarse sea salt)
  • Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • Greek Yogurt (full-fat plain)
  • Fresh Dill (chopped)
  • Garlic (small clove, finely minced)
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for sauce)
  • Salt (for sauce)
  • Black Pepper (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of full-fat plain Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped fresh dill.
  2. Add the juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon) and the zest of a quarter of a lemon.
  3. Stir in 1 small clove of garlic, very finely minced.
  4. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Season with a generous pinch of salt (about ¼ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
  8. Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels.
  9. Drizzle each fillet with about ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
  10. Season generously on both sides with about ½ teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  11. In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
  12. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
  13. Grate the zest of the remaining half a lemon over the salmon.
  14. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  15. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the hot skillet. Reduce the heat to medium.
  16. Cook for about 4-6 minutes, undisturbed, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully.
  17. Once the skin is golden and crispy, carefully flip the salmon fillets using a spatula.
  18. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired doneness.
  19. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for a couple of minutes.
  20. Plate the cooked Mediterranean salmon fillets.
  21. Dollop a generous amount of the chilled Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce over each piece of salmon.
  22. Garnish with a few extra fresh dill sprigs and a lemon wedge.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-searing or Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: For a lighter option, you can use 2% Greek yogurt. If you prefer baking the salmon, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-18 minutes until cooked through.