Baked Keto Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is the kind of dinner I count on when my day is busy and I still want something that tastes like a little treat. Maybe you are staring at a couple of salmon fillets, thinking you should do something special but not complicated. Or you want a low carb dinner that is cozy, fast, and does not wreck your goals. This recipe nails all of that and gives you a creamy, herby sauce that makes the salmon shine. The whole thing comes together quickly, and the cleanup is mercifully simple. Let me show you how I make it at home, and how you can make it your new weeknight favorite.

Remember It Later

This recipe! Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Baked Keto Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon Recipe

When I need a meal that checks all the boxes, this is it. It is fast, easy to clean up, tender, and just rich enough to feel special. The dill sauce adds brightness and creaminess without being heavy. It is one of those recipes you can serve to family or dinner guests and know you will get happy faces. If you are curious about other simple salmon ideas, you might also like these quick air fryer salmon bites for nights when you want something snacky yet satisfying.

I also love that this recipe is forgiving. If your fillets are a bit different in size, or you prefer lemon over lime, you can nudge flavors and timing without stress. And yes, it is 100 percent keto friendly, while still feeling like comfort food. That is a win in my book.

“I made this for a Tuesday night dinner, and my husband asked if we could have it again tomorrow. The dill sauce is so good I practically licked the spoon.”

Another gentle plus, Baked Keto Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce reheats well for lunch the next day, especially if you keep a bit of sauce on the side to freshen it up. If you want more low carb dinner ideas for busy weeks, peek at my growing list of keto recipes.

Remember It Later

This recipe! Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

How to Make Keto Baked Salmon

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets, 5 to 6 ounces each, preferably skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch for the sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus extra wedges for serving
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional for color
1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
1 small clove garlic, very finely minced

Step-by-step Directions

Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
Pat the salmon dry. Dry fish browns better and releases less moisture.
Whisk oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and smoked paprika. Brush or rub on all sides of the salmon.
Place salmon skin side down on the pan. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temp of 125 to 130°F for tender, slightly translucent centers. The USDA suggests 145°F, but many of us prefer it a touch under for juiciness.
While the salmon bakes, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, garlic, and a small pinch of salt. Taste and adjust lemon and salt.
Rest salmon 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon on the creamy dill sauce and finish with a sprinkle of dill and a squeeze of lemon.

Make It Ahead and Store

The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept chilled. Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently at low heat or enjoy cold flaked over greens. On other seafood nights, I rotate this with my quick favorite, keto shrimp scampi with zoodles, which cooks in minutes and scratches the pasta itch without the carbs.

What’s in Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce

Let’s talk about the heart of this dish. The salmon itself brings rich flavor and healthy fats, so you can keep the seasoning simple. A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and a touch of smoked paprika adds gentle zip and color without overshadowing the fish. I prefer skin-on fillets because the skin protects the fish from overcooking and helps lock in moisture.

Now, the sauce is where the magic happens. It is a combo of sour cream and mayonnaise for the right creamy texture, balanced with lemon juice and a shower of fresh dill. Dill loves salmon, and that bright herby flavor turns every bite into a mini celebration. If you want even more dill-forward ideas, you might enjoy these pretty party bites, keto smoked salmon pinwheels, which layer creaminess, briny salmon, and fresh herbs in a fun spiral.

A quick note on subs: full-fat Greek yogurt can stand in for some or all of the sour cream if you like a tangier sauce. If you avoid mayonnaise, you can replace it with more sour cream and a splash of olive oil for silkiness. For extra brightness, add a little lemon zest to the sauce too. And if fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill works in a pinch, just use less and let it sit longer to bloom.

Most of all, remember the sauce is forgiving. Taste as you go and trust your preferences. That is the charm of home cooking and a big reason why Baked Keto Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is such a repeat recipe in my kitchen.

Tips For Making The Best Salmon Recipes

Dry your fish. Patting the fillets dry before seasoning helps them brown a bit and cook more evenly. It also keeps the seasoning from sliding off.

Do not overcook. The biggest difference between ho-hum salmon and great salmon is doneness. I pull mine when the thickest part hits about 125 to 130°F and then let it rest. The carryover takes it the rest of the way.

Use a hot oven. A steady 400°F keeps cook time short and the texture tender. If your fillets are super thick, go a minute or two longer.

Season simply, finish bright. Salmon loves salt, lemon, and herbs. Use what you enjoy, then finish with a squeeze of lemon and a fresh scattering of dill or parsley.

Know your salmon. Wild salmon is leaner and cooks faster. Farmed is fattier and more forgiving. Adjust timing by a couple minutes based on what you have.

Serve it with a cozy low carb side. For a comfort-food plate that still fits your goals, I love a creamy mash, like this cauliflower mash with keto gravy. The texture and richness feel like a weekend dinner even if it is Tuesday.

Remember It Later

This recipe! Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

One more helpful reminder: If you enjoy lighter meals or have family members who are not keto, this salmon is super versatile. Serve it with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or a side of rice for those who want it. The star here stays the same, so everyone eats happily.

Is Salmon Keto?

Yes, salmon is keto friendly and then some. It is naturally low in carbs and rich in protein and healthy fats, including omega-3s. That combo keeps you satisfied and supports a steady energy level. The sauce here is also low carb because it uses full-fat dairy and no added sugar.

Beyond macros, salmon is easy to digest and quick to cook, which is basically weeknight gold. Pair it with non-starchy veggies, avocado, or a side of greens for a balanced plate. And if you are collecting more simple keto dinners, Baked Keto Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce fits right in with all those favorites you make on repeat.

Common Questions

How do I know when my salmon is done?
You can check with a quick-read thermometer. Around 125 to 130°F in the thickest part gives a juicy, tender center. The flesh should flake easily but still look moist.

Can I use dried dill?
Yes. Use about one-third the amount, then let the sauce sit 10 to 15 minutes so the dried dill softens and perfumes the sauce.

Do I bake salmon covered or uncovered?
Uncovered works best for this recipe. It helps the top dry slightly, which concentrates flavor. The sauce brings the creaminess.

What if my salmon has skin?
Keep it on while baking, then slide a spatula between the skin and flesh to lift the fillet if you do not want to eat the skin. The skin protects the fish from overcooking.

Can I grill instead of bake?
Absolutely. Use medium heat on a clean, oiled grill. Cook skin side down most of the time, then flip briefly to finish. The sauce stays the same.

Ready to Bake and Enjoy?

I hope this becomes one of those recipes you lean on during busy weeks. Baked Keto Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is quick, feels special, and fits low carb goals without fuss. If you want to read more takes on this kind of dish, check out the version at Keto Cooking Christian and this tasty spin from Easy Peasy Meals for extra ideas. Now go preheat that oven, grab your lemon and dill, and enjoy a dinner that feels like a small victory at the end of the day. You have got this.