Blackened Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauce ☀️
If you love bold spices, creamy sauces, and easy weeknight elegance, this Blackened Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauceis about to become your new go-to. Perfectly seared salmon with smoky-spicy seasoning meets a tangy Dijon drizzle that brightens each bite. It’s hearty yet fresh, comforting yet light—ideal for summer nights or clean, flavorful dinners any time of year.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish hits the sweet spot: restaurant-quality flavor with very little fuss. The paprika and cayenne give the salmon a smoky depth, while the creamy Dijon sauce cuts through the spice with just the right tang. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, totally meal-prep friendly, and versatile enough to pair with almost anything.
Ingredients
For the Blackened Salmon:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Salmon:
In a bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and lime juice.
Coat the salmon fillets evenly in the mixture. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
Cook the salmon for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the outside is lightly charred and the inside flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Adjust seasonings to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Serve:
Place the salmon fillets on plates. Drizzle generously with the Dijon sauce and top with fresh parsley.
Serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
- Use skin-on salmon for easier grilling and crispier texture.
- Don’t overcook the fish—salmon is best when just barely opaque in the center.
- Let the salmon rest a few minutes before serving to retain moisture.
- Add more cayenne or hot sauce if you like things extra spicy!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this flavorful salmon alongside:
- Blueberry Lemonade for a citrusy refresh
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad if you’re hosting a summer lunch
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas to round out a hearty dinner table
- Dorito Casserole for a cheesy, comfort-food pairing
- Or Easy Turkey Wings for a big, bold meal
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of lemon juice to revive freshness.
- The Dijon sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 1 week in the fridge.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more bold flavor and easy prep? Try:
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauce brings bold spice, zesty sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon together in one easy, unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want real flavor without real effort.
💬 Tried it? Let us know in the comments and tag your salmon masterpiece! Follow for more flavor-packed meals made easy.
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