Your tastebuds are about to be rocked by this bright and creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon. It takes less than 5 minutes to stir together and is the perfect complement to salmon.

creamy dill sauce over salmon

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Why This Recipe is a Keeper

Once you taste this Creamy Dill Sauce For Salmon recipe (and learn that it only takes 5 minutes to make), you’ll know immediately that it is a keeper. And by keeper I mean KEEP it in your back pocket whenever you want to doll up Seared Salmon, Salmon Cakes, Plank Grilled Salmon other seafood (like my Pan Fried Fish, Steamed Mussels or Crab Cakes) and even poultry or steak! It has a wide diversity of uses and is so simple to whip together!

This Dill Cream Sauce takes simply prepared protein and turns it into a wow-worthy gourmet experience in no time!

Dill Sauce For Salmon Ingredient Notes

dill lemon grek yogurt and the other ingredients on a white table with text overlay
  • Plain Greek Yogurt: Salmon and dairy are a traditional culinary pairing but since salmon is on the rich side, it doesn’t need a lot of additional fat. To make this sauce lighter I used plain Greek yogurt. Yogurt made from non-fat or whole milk both work equally well.
  • Mayonnaise: I added in 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for just the right balance of taste and richness and to give the sauce a classic tartar-like taste without becoming heavy or overpowering.
  • Lemon Juice: The acidity of the lemon is essential to balance the fish. You can also use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar (don’t use seasoned rice vinegar as that also contains sugar and salt.)
  • Fresh Dill: The fresh herbaceous taste of dill and salmon are a match made in heaven.
  • Shallot: Finely mince your shallot to give this sauce a slight allium taste. You can sub in a small clove of garlic that’s been grated on a Microplane grater if you do not have shallot.
  • Capers: These are optional, but I love the way they make the dill sauce reminiscent of remoulade sauce. Chop them finely for a finer and less obtrusive texture.
  • Whole Grain Mustard: Whole grain mustard is a coarse and rustic mustard where the mustard seeds are still whole or just cracked. You can buy it in the mustard section of most large supermarkets. Maille and Pommery are two common brands.
  • Salt and Pepper: to season.

How To Make Creamy Dill Sauce For Salmon

stir mayonnaise, lemon and greek yogurt first then add in the chunkier ingredients

Step 1: Whisk Yogurt, Mayo and Lemon Until Smooth

Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 2: Stir in the Remaining Ingredients

Whisk in dill, shallot, capers (if using), mustard and salt. Season with pepper. Chill or serve immediately.

creamy dill sauce in a white bowl

Expert Tips and FAQs

How long does cream sauce with fresh dill last?

This creamy dill sauce can be made three days in advance. Store in a jar or airtight container. Keep leftovers for five days. Stir well before serving. Discard if there are any obvious signs of spoilage.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

In a pinch, dried dill can be subbed. Use 2 teaspoons. Though if at all possible try to use fresh dill as it is the prominent flavor and really shines in this recipe!

What does dill cream sauce go with?

This sauce is great with salmon and other fresh fish. We love it, especially with chilled poached salmon or other fish. Serve with smoked salmon or smoked trout on bagels or rye toasts. It is a terrific alternative to tartar sauce to accompany other seafood dishes.

Variations To Try

  • Instead of dill and shallot, use a blend of tarragon, chives and chervil. This classic combo known as fines herbs has a slightly anise or licorice flavor and is wonderful with seafood.
  • Omit the capers and add a tablespoon of prepared horseradish. This is particularly great with beef!
  • Use Creme Fraiche or sour cream instead of Greek Yogurt for a more rich and decadent sauce.
  • Add a generous amount of cracked black pepper for a bit of a kick!

Love healthier creamy sauces? Make sure to try our Garlic Greek Yogurt Aioli too.

creamy dill sauce getting spooned over a piece of salmon

Favorite Salmon Recipes

close up of the salmon in the cast iron skillet with the avocado mash on top and lime wedges

Easy Skillet Salmon with Avocado and Basil
Salmon filet topped with creamy herb sauce set on a plate with broccoli, lemon wedge and a fork.

Baked Salmon Recipe with Mayonnaise
the salmon in foil packet with lemon on top

Easy Baked Salmon in Foil
maple glazed salmon on circular white serving platter

Maple Glazed Salmon

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Happy Cooking! ~Katie

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the sauce on a piece of salmon with salad on a white plate

Creamy Dill Sauce For Salmon

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5 from 6 reviews

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Description

Simple to prepare but BIG on flavor, this creamy dill sauce will be your new go-to sauce recipe for salmon. It can also be paired with other fish, seafood, poultry and beef!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, fat-free, low-fat or whole
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped capers, optional
  • 1 teaspoon coarse or whole grain mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Whisk in dill, shallot, capers (if using), mustard, salt and pepper. Chill or serve immediately.

Notes

Make Ahead and Leftovers

This creamy dill sauce can be made three days in advance. Store in a jar or airtight container. Keep leftovers for five days. Stir well before serving. Discard if there are any obvious signs of spoilage.

  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: na
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 51
  • Sugar: 0
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 1 g

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