If you are searching for a delightful, vibrant dish that combines smoky grilled salmon with a refreshing sauce, the Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These skewers are bursting with juicy, tender salmon cubes marinated with garlic and lemon, grilled to perfection, and paired with a luscious yogurt sauce infused with fresh dill. This recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something that tastes both light and indulgent, perfect for a sunny weekend barbecue or an elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is full of character and soul.
- 1 1/2 lbs skinless salmon fillet: Cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes to ensure quick grilling and maximum juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the salmon caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a burst of bright, zesty flavor that complements the salmon’s natural taste.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the fish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the salmon perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice and balances the marinade.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading the salmon and achieving those perfect grill marks.
For the Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base that cools and complements the grilled fish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and lifts the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings a silky texture and richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped: The star herb that provides a fragrant, slightly tangy note.
- 1 small garlic clove, minced: Delivers a delicate garlic punch to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and rounds out the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers and Marinade
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using wood—this prevents burning on the grill. Meanwhile, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is simple but powerful: it tenderizes the salmon and infuses it with bright, savory flavors that will shine once grilled. Let the salmon sit for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb all these delicious notes while you prepare your grill.
Step 2: Thread and Grill the Salmon
Thread the marinated salmon pieces onto your skewers, spacing each cube slightly apart to ensure even cooking. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the salmon skewers for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch closely—they should develop a beautiful char on the outside but remain tender and just cooked through inside. This part is where the magic happens, turning simple salmon into a smoky, succulent delight.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
While your salmon is grilling, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the perfect counterbalance to the warm, smoky fish—cool, tangy, and refreshingly herby. It’s easy to whip up but elevates the dish to something truly special.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped dill or a few lemon wedges served alongside immediately freshens the presentation and lets your guests customize their skewers with extra zing and herbal brightness. Adding a dash of smoked paprika on top can also add a subtle warmth and color contrast that’s visually appealing.
Side Dishes
These salmon skewers pair beautifully with light and textural sides such as fluffy couscous, fragrant rice pilaf, or a crisp cucumber salad. The cool cucumber salad echoes the coolness of the dill yogurt sauce, making for a harmonious plate that is as satisfying as it is balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try adding alternates like chunks of red onion or zucchini between the salmon cubes on the skewers before grilling—this adds pops of color, additional flavor layers, and delightful texture contrasts. Serving the skewers over a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled pita bread also amps up the Mediterranean vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled salmon skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to two days, making them great for next-day meals or snacks. Just remember to keep the dill yogurt sauce separate for best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save skewers for longer, you can freeze uncooked, marinated salmon cubes on skewers before grilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain quality and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled salmon skewers gently in a warm oven or microwave. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out. Reheat the creamy dill yogurt sauce separately and drizzle over just before serving to keep that refreshing creaminess intact.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but avoid threading the skin on the skewers as it can make turning the pieces difficult. Skin-on salmon will have a slightly different texture and crisp up nicely on the grill, adding extra flavor.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If Greek yogurt is unavailable, plain regular yogurt or even sour cream can work, though the sauce may be less thick and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based yogurt with similar texture and tang.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?
Oil your grill grates well before heating and also brush the salmon cubes lightly with olive oil. Using metal skewers also helps reduce sticking compared to wooden ones, which should always be soaked beforehand.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like zucchini, red onions, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers not only looks beautiful but adds freshness and variety. Just make sure the veggies are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The salmon can be marinated and grilled ahead of time, and the dill yogurt sauce prepared in advance as well. Store everything separately and assemble just before eating to keep the flavors vibrant and textures fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe enough—it’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. With quick prep, wholesome ingredients, and a bright sauce that ties it all together, this dish brings a little sunshine to your plate no matter the season. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to favorites!
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Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and healthy grilled salmon skewers served with a creamy dill yogurt sauce. Perfectly marinated salmon cubes are grilled to perfection and complemented by a tangy and fresh yogurt-dill dressing, making this Mediterranean-inspired dish an ideal main course for summer grilling or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Skewers
- 1 1/2 lbs skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a bowl, combine the salmon cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat and let the mixture marinate for 15–20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Thread the Salmon: Thread the marinated salmon pieces onto the soaked skewers, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Salmon Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the salmon is just cooked through with a light char on the outside.
- Make the Dill Yogurt Sauce: While the salmon cooks, mix together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the warm grilled salmon skewers with a generous dollop of the creamy dill yogurt sauce either on the side or drizzled over the top.
Notes
- For extra flavor and variety, add chunks of red onion or zucchini between the salmon pieces on the skewers before grilling.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
