Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with every single bite - a culinary journey that combines the rich, tender flavors of perfectly baked salmon with the cool, refreshing zing of homemade tzatziki sauce. This Greek Salmon recipe isn't just a meal; it's an experience that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Get ready to unlock the secrets of authentic Greek cuisine that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dill, chopped
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and 2 tablespoons of chopped dill. Mix well to create a marinade for the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the marinade generously over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the salmon marinate for about 5 minutes while you prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- For the tzatziki sauce, in a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 cup of grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the marinated salmon in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare your serving plates. You can serve the salmon over a bed of greens or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- To serve, place a salmon fillet on each plate and drizzle some of the tzatziki sauce over the top. You can also serve additional tzatziki on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with extra chopped dill and lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy your Greek Salmon with Tzatziki Sauce!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Always select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinate Wisely: Don't over-marinate the fish. 5-10 minutes is perfect to infuse flavor without breaking down the delicate salmon proteins.
- Drain Cucumber: When preparing tzatziki, make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber to prevent a watery sauce.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Experiment with Herbs: While dill is traditional, you can also try fresh mint or oregano for a unique twist.
- Serve Immediately: Tzatziki and salmon are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so time your preparation to serve right after cooking.
- Presentation is Key: Garnish with extra herbs, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of good olive oil to elevate the dish's visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
