Keto Poached Salmon with Green Goddess Sauce is an elegant yet simple low-carb dish that combines tender, delicately cooked salmon with a rich, herb-forward creamy sauce. Poaching keeps the salmon moist without adding unnecessary carbs, while the Green Goddess sauce delivers fresh flavor and healthy fats using keto-approved ingredients. This recipe is ideal for lunch or dinner and works well for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Poached Salmon
- 2–3 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skin on or off
- 4 cups water or light fish broth
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Green Goddess Sauce
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (avocado oil–based preferred)
- ¼ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 small clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Poaching Liquid
In a wide, deep skillet or saucepan, add the water or fish broth, lemon slices, smashed garlic, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not allow it to boil vigorously, as gentle heat is essential for tender salmon.
Step 2: Poach the Salmon
Carefully place the salmon fillets into the simmering liquid. The liquid should just barely cover the fish. Reduce the heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer. Poach for 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 3: Remove and Rest
Using a slotted spatula, carefully remove the salmon from the liquid and place it on a plate. Cover loosely and let it rest for 2–3 minutes.
Green Goddess Sauce Preparation
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, basil, chives, and dill to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust acidity or thickness by adding a small amount of water or olive oil if necessary.
Assembly and Serving
Step 6: Plate the Dish
Place the poached salmon fillets on serving plates. Spoon or drizzle the Green Goddess sauce generously over the top.
Step 7: Optional Garnishes
Garnish with additional chopped herbs or lemon zest if desired.
Serving Suggestions (Keto-Friendly)
Serve with:
- Steamed asparagus
- Sautéed zucchini or spinach
- Cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat salmon over low heat or enjoy cold with sauce for best texture.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Net Carbs: 2–3 g
- Fat: High
- Protein: High
- Keto-Friendly: Yes

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