Simple Baked Salmon with Green Goddess Sauce

Simple Baked Salmon with Green Goddess Sauce is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner of flaky, lightly seasoned baked salmon with a vibrant, tangy dipping sauce.

Salmon is a very mild and versatile fish that is easy to cook, a cinch to serve, and can be easily paired with many sides. It’s also really good for you.

Green Goddess sauce is a light and creamy sauce full of herbs and a punch of tart lemon. When added to salmon, it makes it bright and flavorful, a favorite in our house and something that you should totally consider adding to your dinner rotation!

Some Interesting salmon Facts You May Not Know

Is there more than one kind of salmon?

Salmon is one of the most popular fish choices in the United States. There are several kinds of Pacific salmon, generally known as wild salmon. These varieties include Coho, Sockeye, King (Chinook) and Pink salmon.

The Atlantic salmon you can buy in the grocery store is typically farmed salmon (not wild) and is less expensive than Pacific salmon. The taste is a little less bold and the fish is a little more firm. Also, Atlantic salmon also typically has a higher fat content than Pacific salmon.

How is Salmon good for you?

• Low in saturated fat
• Low in calories
• Food source of protein
• High in vitamin B12
• High in potassium
• Good source of iron
• Good source of vitamin D
• High in Omega-3 essential fatty acids

How to make Simple Baked Salmon with Green Goddess Sauce

This is an easy weeknight meal that is quick to assemble. It is a great way to get your family to try something new that is actually really good for them! The salmon may be basic but the dipping sauce is a total game changer. Tangy, flavorful and delicious!

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F with the rack in the middle of the oven. If you prefer, preheat the grill instead!

In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, parsley, chives, green onions, tarragon, vinegar, lemon juice and anchovy paste (if using). 

A note about Anchovy Paste: Anchovy paste is optional in this recipe but if you can, USE IT! Anchovy paste in a tube is inexpensive, it keeps for a really long time and doesn’t make your food taste excessively fishy. Instead, according to bon appetit magazine, “it lends it a deeper flavor, boosting the qualities of other ingredients.”

Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made in advance. The flavor gets better the longer it sits. Just be sure to stir before using!

Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with kosher salt & pepper to taste.

If cooking in the oven, place the salmon on a baking sheet, skin side down, and bake for 20 – 25 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If grilling, it may take less time.

Serve with Green Goddess sauce spooned over the fillets or on the side if you prefer.  Refrigerate any leftover sauce (tastes great with veggies too!). Enjoy!

Other Easy Weeknight Meals you might like

One Pan Chicken Fajitas – a quick and easy chicken marinade sets the stage for this weeknight favorite – quickly fried up in a skillet with peppers and onions. So good!

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Foil Packs – A simple and quick family friendly dinner of perfectly seasoned chicken, sweet pineapple and crisp pepper chunks.

Creamy Garlic Spinach Chicken Thighs – A Keto friendly meal with a delicious creamy sauce!

Crockpot Taco Chili – dump, stir and walk away – super easy with just the right amount of spice!

Weeknight Pineapple Shrimp and Rice Bake – easy and delicious family weeknight meal!