These Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish. The tender salmon is perfectly grilled with a smoky char, and the cool, tangy yogurt sauce adds a refreshing touch. These skewers are great for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or as a light, flavorful meal anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and the yogurt sauce provides protein and probiotics.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Grilling: The skewers make the salmon easy to grill, and the yogurt sauce complements the smoky flavor perfectly.
- Fresh and Light: The creamy dill yogurt sauce adds a refreshing, herby contrast to the rich grilled salmon.
Key Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: Use skinless salmon fillets cut into bite-sized cubes for the skewers.
- Olive Oil: Helps to keep the salmon moist and adds flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a tangy contrast to the rich salmon.
- Garlic: Infuses the salmon with a subtle garlic flavor as it marinates.
- Fresh Dill: Adds a fresh, herby note to both the salmon marinade and the yogurt sauce.
- Greek Yogurt: The base for the creamy dill sauce, adding tang and creaminess.
- Cucumber: Adds a cool, refreshing crunch to the yogurt sauce.
- Honey: Balances the tang of the yogurt and lemon juice with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the salmon and the sauce.
How to Make Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Cut 1 1/2 pounds of skinless salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to coat the salmon evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill, 1/2 cup of grated cucumber (with excess liquid squeezed out), 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir the sauce until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated salmon cubes onto skewers, alternating with lemon slices or your favorite vegetables if desired (such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers).
Step 4: Grill the Salmon Skewers
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Grill the salmon skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the salmon is just cooked through and has a nice char. Be careful not to overcook the salmon as it can become dry.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the grilled salmon skewers with the creamy dill yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with additional fresh dill or lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips for the Best Grilled Salmon Skewers
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on the skewers to ensure the salmon stays tender and juicy.
- Use Metal or Soaked Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Grill with Vegetables: Add vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or red onion to the skewers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Let the Salmon Rest: After grilling, let the salmon rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Salmon Skewers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce: Swap the dill for other fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro in the yogurt sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Skewers: Add slices of lemon, lime, or orange between the salmon cubes on the skewers for a citrusy burst of flavor.
- Smoked Paprika Marinade: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade for a smoky, earthy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the creamy dill yogurt sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve.
2. What can I serve with salmon skewers?
These skewers pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a fresh green salad.
3. Can I bake the salmon skewers instead of grilling them?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
4. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover salmon skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The yogurt sauce can be stored for up to 3 days.
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