Salmon Sliders with Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce

Introduction

When it comes to light and flavorful meals that can please a crowd, these Salmon Sliders with Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce stand out as an ultimate favorite in my household. I first made these sliders for a family gathering, and I was amazed by how quickly they disappeared! The juicy, perfectly seared salmon paired with the creamy, tangy yogurt-cucumber-dill sauce was a hit, and the mini buns added just the right amount of bite-sized fun. My family loved the freshness of the ingredients, and my kids even asked for seconds. This recipe is one I know I’ll be making again for brunches, casual gatherings, or even as a fun appetizer for dinner parties. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to put together.

Why You’ll Love Salmon Sliders with Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce

There are so many reasons why these Salmon Sliders with Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce will become your new go-to recipe:

1. Light and Flavorful: The combination of seared salmon with a cool, creamy sauce and fresh toppings brings an incredible balance of flavors. It’s light enough for a summer brunch but rich enough to feel indulgent.
2. Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, dinner party, or poolside gathering, these sliders make the perfect finger food that’s both impressive and easy to serve.
3. Made from Scratch: From the homemade slider buns to the fresh yogurt-cucumber-dill sauce, everything is made from scratch. This recipe gives you a wholesome, homemade dish that’s full of flavor and texture.
4. Healthy Ingredients: With heart-healthy salmon, avocado, and a yogurt-based sauce, these sliders are a nutritious choice. Plus, the addition of fresh vegetables like radishes and red onions adds a crunchy, zesty bite.
5. Customizable: The sliders are versatile. You can play around with the toppings (add or remove anything you like) and even make the slider buns ahead of time to save on prep work.

If you love fresh, tasty meals with a Mediterranean flair, this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Sliders:

• 1–2 pounds salmon fillets, cut into 2”x4” pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 4–6 radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 3–4 lettuce leaves
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 6–8 long bamboo skewers

For the Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ English cucumber, grated
• 1 tablespoon dried dill (or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Slider Buns (Makes 12-14 mini buns):

• ½ cup lukewarm water
• ½ cup lukewarm whole milk
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or butter, coconut oil, olive oil)
• 3 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce

In a blender or using a hand blender, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, black pepper, sea salt, celery salt, garlic, and lemon zest. Blend everything until smooth and well combined. Once ready, cover the sauce and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. Make the Slider Buns

In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, egg, oil, and salt. Add this wet mixture to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 12–14 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place them 2–3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, brush the buns with an egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional). Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing them in half.

3. Cook the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the salmon pieces for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and let it cool slightly before assembling the sliders.

4. Assemble the Sliders

Once the buns are ready, slice them in half. Spread a generous layer of yogurt-cucumber-dill sauce on each bun half. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, then layer with seared salmon, avocado slices, red onion, radishes, and chopped Kalamata olives. For easy serving, secure each slider with a bamboo skewer.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Slider – Makes 12 Sliders)

• Serving Size: 1 slider
• Calories: Approximately 290–320 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

These sliders are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon. The yogurt-based sauce adds probiotics and calcium, while the avocado provides healthy fats and fiber.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 45 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

These Salmon Sliders with Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here’s how you can serve them:

• Brunch: Serve as a lighter brunch option alongside a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.
• Appetizer: Perfect for serving as small appetizers at a party or gathering. You can even make them as a slider bar with different toppings.
• Main Course: These sliders can be served as a main course for a casual dinner. Pair them with sweet potato fries or a mixed green salad for a more substantial meal.
• Poolside or Picnic: They’re portable, easy to eat, and absolutely delicious for outdoor events.

Serving Tips:

• Add More Veggies: You can add more toppings like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or arugula for additional flavor and texture.
• Customize the Sauce: If you want more tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce. For a creamier version, try adding a little mayonnaise or sour cream.
• Make Ahead: You can make the sauce and slider buns ahead of time to save time when assembling the sliders.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for a crowd, so if you’re hosting a party, double the ingredients for extra sliders.
• Grill the Salmon: If you prefer grilling to pan-searing, feel free to grill the salmon fillets for added flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Ensure Salmon is Fresh: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality salmon. Wild-caught salmon is ideal if available.
2. Properly Season the Salmon: Don’t skip on seasoning the salmon with salt and pepper before cooking. It enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
3. Cool the Salmon Slightly: Let the salmon cool slightly before assembling the sliders to avoid soggy buns.
4. Use Mini Buns: If you don’t want to make the slider buns from scratch, you can use store-bought mini buns or small dinner rolls.
5. Adjust the Spice: For a spicier kick, try adding a few slices of jalapeño to the sliders or mixing some sriracha into the yogurt sauce.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen salmon for these sliders?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.

2. Can I make the slider buns in advance?
Absolutely! The slider buns can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

3. How can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and ensure the yogurt sauce ingredients are also gluten-free.

4. Can I substitute the yogurt in the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

5. What can I serve these sliders with?
These sliders pair

well with fries, salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

6. Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use pre-made tzatziki or dill sauce, though homemade will have a fresher flavor.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce may be stored separately.

8. Can I grill the buns instead of baking them?
Grilling the buns is an option for a slightly charred flavor, though it’s not traditional.

9. Can I use other fish for these sliders?
Yes, you can substitute the salmon with other firm fish like tuna or cod.

10. How do I make these sliders spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños to the slider or mix some hot sauce into the yogurt sauce for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

These Salmon Sliders with Yogurt-Cucumber-Dill Sauce are a delightful twist on traditional sliders, offering fresh, vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, enjoying a sunny brunch, or treating your family to a light dinner, these sliders will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Make them from scratch with homemade buns, seared salmon, and the creamy yogurt sauce, and you’ll have a dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!

Print