Lemon Herb Greek Yogurt-Marinated Salmon

Published: April 25, 2026
Alexandra BrownAlexandra Brown
Tags: healthy, High-Protein, Quick Dinner, Mediterranean, Seafood

Yogurt-Marinated Salmon

Tender, flaky salmon roasted in a tangy yogurt and herb marinade. Healthy, easy, and delicious.

Prep Time:10 minCook Time:12 minTotal Time:22 minServings:4Difficulty:Easy

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:310 kcal
Protein:36 g
Carbs:4 g
Fat:16 g

This Greek Yogurt-Marinated Salmon is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. The yogurt acts as a gentle tenderizer, sealing in the moisture so the fish stays incredibly flaky and succulent, even in a hot oven. It’s a trick I learned years ago—the thick coating creates a beautiful, almost-crust-like layer that’s packed with tangy lemon and fresh garden herbs.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can prep the marinade in the morning, let the salmon soak up all those Mediterranean flavors during the day, and have a gourmet-feeling meal on the table in under 15 minutes of actual cooking time. Serve it alongside some roasted asparagus or over a bed of fluffy quinoa for a light, nutritious meal that feels like a real treat.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets:4 pieces
  • Plain Greek yogurt:½ cup
  • Lemon juice:2 tbsp
  • Lemon zest:1 tsp
  • Garlic, minced:2 cloves
  • Olive oil:1 tbsp
  • Dried oregano:1 tsp
  • Fresh dill, chopped:2 tbsp
  • Salt and black pepper:to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.

    Prepared parchment-lined baking sheet for roasting salmon
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, and fresh dill.

    Greek yogurt marinade whisked with lemon, garlic, oregano, and dill
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

    Salmon fillets patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper
  4. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and spoon the yogurt mixture generously over each fillet, coating the tops and sides.

    Salmon fillets coated with lemon herb Greek yogurt marinade
  5. Let the salmon sit for 15-20 minutes if you have time, or bake immediately for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

    Yogurt-marinated salmon roasting until opaque and flaky
  6. Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to get a slightly golden finish on the yogurt coating.

    Broiled salmon with lightly golden yogurt herb coating
  7. Serve immediately with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

    Finished Greek yogurt-marinated salmon served with fresh lemon

Tips & Notes

  • Use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt for a richer flavor and better moisture retention.
  • Don't overbake the salmon; once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, it's perfect.
  • This marinade also works beautifully for chicken breasts or white fish like cod.