I remember the first time I made this dish—it was one of those nights where I just wanted something simple, fresh, and nourishing. I had just picked up some wild-caught salmon from the market, and I could already taste the buttery flakes melting in my mouth.
Pairing it with crisp asparagus and a creamy dill sauce?
Pure magic. This meal is my go-to when I need comfort food that doesn’t weigh me down.
It’s packed with healthy fats, lean protein, and greens—plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the salmon over a bed of roasted asparagus with a generous drizzle of dill sauce.
- Pair with a side of roasted baby potatoes or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Garnish with fresh dill and an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
- Extra Crunch: Top the salmon with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the dill sauce for a little kick.
This dish is one of those meals that makes you feel good inside and out. It’s fresh, it’s flavorful, and it’s loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this gluten-free salmon recipe is a total win.
Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Salmon with Dill Sauce and Roasted Asparagus
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A light, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring crispy salmon, creamy dill sauce, and roasted asparagus. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 (6 oz) fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught if possible)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (or ghee for dairy-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a little depth)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Dill Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Roasted Asparagus
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Asparagus
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for about 12-15 minutes, or until tender with crispy tips. Sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.
Pro tip: If you like extra crispy asparagus, roast them for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Once the pan is hot, add the salmon, skin-side down. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets before removing them from the pan.
Step 3: Make the Dill Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared & roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with asparagus
- Calories: ~420 per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
