Meet your new favorite way to enjoy salmon: Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce. This vibrant dish wraps tender, juicy cubes of salmon in zesty spices, then grills them to smoky perfection and serves them with a cool, herby yogurt sauce for dipping. Whether you’re hosting friends for a summer get-together or just want to indulge in a healthy, flavor-packed meal, this recipe brings bold Mediterranean flair, refreshing textures, and a little hint of luxury right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you want a dinner that’s as beautiful as it is tasty, Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce keep things delightfully simple. Each ingredient plays a starring role—think vibrant color from the paprika, aromatic freshness from dill, and creamy tang from Greek yogurt. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it’s so essential.
- Skinless salmon fillet (1 1/2 pounds): Opting for skinless fillets ensures the salmon cooks evenly and soaks up all the marinade flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps develop that irresistible grilled crust.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brightens the marinade and brings out the salmon’s freshness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Raw garlic infuses both the marinade and the sauce with a savory zing that’s impossible to resist.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and intensifies all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends gentle heat and earthiness.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): This spice gives the salmon its appealing golden color and a subtle smoky depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Amp up the heat if you’re feeling bold—otherwise, leave them out for the mellow crowd.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Choose sturdy skewers to securely hold each delicious kebab together on the grill.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup): Thick, creamy yogurt forms the luscious base of your dreamy dill sauce.
- Fresh dill, chopped (1 tablespoon): This classic herb adds a fresh, slightly grassy finish to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon) and zest (1 teaspoon): Layer fresh citrus in the sauce for extra zing.
- Garlic clove, grated (1): A little extra garlic in the sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for sauce): Makes the sauce extra silky and rich.
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for sauce): Finish the sauce with a pinch or two for balanced flavor.
How to Make Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a 30-minute soak in water while you prep the other ingredients. This small step prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep your Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce intact and easy to flip.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and (if you like a little heat) the crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Add the salmon cubes, tossing gently with a large spoon or your hands until every piece is well coated. Marvel at how quickly the salmon soaks up that zesty marinade—just 15 to 20 minutes is all you need for maximum flavor without overwhelming the delicate fish.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
While the salmon marinates, mix up your sauce. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice and zest, grated garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and flecked with vibrant green herb. Chill the sauce in the fridge; the flavors only get better as they meld together.
Step 4: Thread the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates so nothing sticks. Thread the marinated salmon cubes onto your soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving little spaces between chunks so each one gets a kiss of smoky flavor and nice charlines. Arrange the skewers on a tray as you go.
Step 5: Grill the Salmon
Place the skewers carefully on the hot grill. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning gently using tongs. The goal is perfect grill marks and salmon that’s just cooked through—moist, flaky, and bursting with flavor. Avoid overcooking; salmon continues to cook off the heat, so serve promptly.
Step 6: Serve with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
As soon as the skewers come off the grill, arrange them on a platter and bring out your chilled sauce. The contrast of warm, smoky salmon with a spoonful of cool, tangy dill yogurt is what makes these Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce so irresistibly good.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
Brighten up your platter with a few fresh garnishes. Sprinkle extra chopped dill, offer lemon wedges for a citrusy squeeze, and toss on a handful of microgreens or sliced radishes for crunch and visual pop. These finishing touches really take Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair your salmon skewers with a grain like fluffy rice, herbed couscous, or a grilled vegetable medley for a balanced, Mediterranean-inspired meal. The cool yogurt sauce doubles as a dip for sides like roasted potatoes or fresh veggies, making dinner feel bountiful and celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve each skewer upright in individual cups with a dollop of the Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce at the bottom—perfect for easy, drippy-free dipping. Or, layer the grilled salmon off the skewer onto salads, grain bowls, or pita wraps for a casual yet stunning entrée that showcases the vibrant colors and flavors of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce, let the skewers cool completely. Store the salmon and sauce separately, each in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to two days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but just stir in a splash of water or lemon juice to revive its creaminess.
Freezing
Although the dill yogurt sauce is best enjoyed fresh, the grilled salmon itself freezes quite well. Remove the salmon from the skewers, wrap it tightly in foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For juicy, tender salmon, reheat leftovers gently. Spread the pieces on a baking tray, cover lightly with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the fish. Whisk or stir the yogurt sauce before dolloping alongside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Steelhead trout is a fantastic substitute, offering a similar texture and flavor profile as salmon. Just be sure to cut it into sturdy cubes for skewering and grilling.
What’s the best way to keep salmon from sticking to the grill?
Brush your grill grates with oil just before cooking, and ensure the grill is fully preheated to medium-high. Let the salmon cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes per side before flipping—this helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and easy release.
Is there a dairy-free option for the yogurt sauce?
Yes! Swap out the Greek yogurt for a plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or almond milk yogurt, to create a dairy-free Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce that’s just as luscious and flavorful.
Can I make Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce in the oven or on a stovetop?
If you don’t have a grill handy, use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers in your oven. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—salmon cooks quickly under high heat, so it’s easy to achieve that perfect flaky texture indoors too.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
Because salmon is delicate, a short marinating time—just 15 to 20 minutes—is ideal. This infuses plenty of bold flavor without breaking down the fish’s structure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that dazzles at any gathering and makes weeknights feel like a celebration, you simply have to try Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce. It’s satisfying, simple, and full of fresh, zesty flavor—guaranteed to win hearts and empty plates every time. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce are a perfect summer dish, combining tender salmon with a flavorful marinade and a refreshing yogurt sauce. The smoky grilled flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy dill sauce, creating a balanced and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Marinate salmon cubes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes for 15–20 minutes.
- Make Yogurt Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill until serving.
- Grill Salmon: Thread marinated salmon cubes onto skewers. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot with chilled dill yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
- Pair with rice, couscous, or grilled vegetables.
- Substitute steelhead trout for salmon.
- For dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
