Calling all home chefs! If you’re ready to take your culinary skills to the next level and impress your family and friends with a tantalizing seafood dish, look no further.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering pan-seared Greek salmon, accompanied by a delightful dill sauce and a vibrant Greek-style salsa.
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece as we explore the rich flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
I initially made this dish as a tribute to our newest addition to the family. His name originated from Greek and I thought it would be a good idea for his first birthday to reflect that. I did a ton of research and since we absolutely love salmon, I thought “Why not just make it Greek?”
This recipe features a few moving parts, but the turnout is amazing and definitely worth it! You’ll want to make sure your salmon is fresh for the best flavor. Just visit your grocer’s fresh seafood department and they should have some on hand for you.
You can also request that they take the skins off for you, but it’s not necessary. Once the salmon cooks, the skin comes right off, but this is just a personal preference.
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Gathering the Ingredients:
Before diving into the culinary adventure, let’s start by gathering the necessary ingredients to create this delightful Greek-inspired dish.
For the pan-seared Greek salmon, you’ll need:
- 4 fresh salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Greek-style salsa, you’ll need:
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Salmon:
To achieve the perfect pan-seared Greek salmon, follow these simple steps:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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.
Baked Greek Salmon Variation:
If you prefer a baked version of the Greek salmon, fear not! Here’s an alternative method that yields equally delicious results. This is a great alternative when cooking for several guests at a time.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the salmon fillets as instructed in Part 2, patting them dry and seasoning them with dried oregano, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded.
4. 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.
5. While the salmon is baking, you can prepare the dill sauce and Greek-style salsa following the instructions in Parts 3 and 4.
6. 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.
7. Spoon the dill sauce over the baked salmon fillets, allowing it to coat the surface and seep into the nooks and crannies.
8. Serve the baked Greek salmon alongside the vibrant Greek-style salsa, adding a burst of freshness and tanginess to each bite.
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.
Preparing the Dill Sauce:
The dill sauce is a creamy and tangy addition that perfectly complements the pan-seared Greek salmon. Follow these steps to create this delectable sauce:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:
The Greek-style salsa is a refreshing and vibrant accompaniment to the pan-seared Greek salmon. Follow these steps to prepare this colorful salsa:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Allow the salsa to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop.
How To Plate And Serve Greek Salmon With Dill Sauce:
Now that your pan-seared Greek salmon, dill sauce, and Greek-style salsa are prepared, it’s time to bring everything together and plate this delicious meal.
1. 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.
2. Place a spoonful of the Greek-style salsa beside the salmon, adding a burst of color and freshness to the plate.
3. Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh dill or parsley to give it an elegant finishing touch.
4. 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.
Now that you have both pan-seared and baked variations of the Greek salmon recipe at your disposal, you can choose the cooking method that suits your preferences and time constraints. Whichever method you choose, the combination of flavors from the dill sauce and Greek-style salsa will elevate the salmon to new heights.
Remember to have fun in the kitchen and experiment with different ingredients and techniques. Feel free to customize the recipe according to your taste, incorporating additional herbs or spices to make it your own signature dish.
Whether you opt for the pan-seared or baked version, this Greek-inspired salmon recipe is sure to impress your family, friends, and dinner guests. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece. Happy cooking!
The combination of flavors and textures will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast, delighting your palate with every bite.
Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion or simply indulging in a gourmet meal at home, you can be proud of the culinary masterpiece you’ve created.
Remember, cooking is an art that allows you to express your creativity while bringing joy to others through food. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or add your personal touch to this recipe. Embrace the flavors of Greece and let your inner chef shine. Bon appétit!
Equipment Used For This Recipe:
Easy Greek Salmon With Dill Sauce and Greek-Style Salsa
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
The post Easy Salmon With Dill Sauce and Greek-Style Salsa first appeared on Being Ecomomical.