Easy Greek Salmon With Dill Sauce and Greek-Style Salsa
Whether you're a home chef looking to impress or simply want to indulge in a gourmet meal at home, this Greek salmon recipe will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Get ready to savor the harmonious blend of flavors and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
For The Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried dill
- salt and pepper to taste
For The Dill Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
For The Greek-Style Salsa
- 2 ripe tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season them with dried oregano, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Gently press the seasonings onto the fillets to ensure they stick.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets, skin side down. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Using a fish spatula, gently flip the salmon fillets and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Keep in mind that salmon is typically cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Tent the plate with aluminum foil to keep the salmon warm while you prepare the accompanying dill sauce and Greek-style salsa.
Preparing the Dill Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, freshly chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Taste the dill sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a bit more lemon juice. For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove.
- Once you've achieved the desired taste, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dill sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preparing the Greek-Style Salsa
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Taste the Greek-style salsa and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a more acidic flavor, add a touch more balsamic vinegar. For a richer taste, drizzle in a bit more olive oil.
- Allow the salsa to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop.
Plating and Serving
- Take each salmon fillet and spoon a generous dollop of the dill sauce on top. Allow it to drizzle down the sides of the salmon, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Place a spoonful of the Greek-style salsa beside the salmon, adding a burst of color and freshness to the plate.
- Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh dill or parsley to give it an elegant finishing touch.
- Serve the pan-seared Greek salmon immediately while it's still warm, accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables or a bed of fluffy rice pilaf.
Baked Greek Salmon Variation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the salmon fillets as instructed in Part 2, patting them dry and seasoning with dried oregano, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- While the salmon is baking, you can prepare the dill sauce and Greek-style salsa following the instructions in Parts 3 and 4.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juiciness.
- Spoon the dill sauce over the baked salmon fillets, allowing it to coat the surface and seep into the nooks and crannies.
- Serve the baked Greek salmon alongside the vibrant Greek-style salsa, adding a burst of freshness and tanginess to each bite.
Notes
Baking the salmon offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile, as the fish retains its moisture and develops a tender, flaky consistency. This method is perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking or want to enjoy a lighter, healthier version of the dish.