Creamy Dill Sauce For Salmon
This 5-minute Dill Sauce for Salmon has consistently been our most popular sauce recipe here at Healthy Seasonal Recipes. The creamy texture and tangy taste is a sublime balance of flavor and is the perfect compliment to salmon.
Table of contents
Why this Dill Sauce 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!
WATCH: How to make Dill Sauce for Salmon
Salmon Dill Sauce ingredient notes:
- 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 Dill Sauce For Salmon
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.
Dill Sauce Recipe Variations
- 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!
Dill Sauce FAQs
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.
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!
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.
How to store Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon
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.
Love healthier creamy sauces? Make sure to try our Garlic Greek Yogurt Aioli too.
Favorite Salmon Recipes
At Healthy Seasonal Recipes, we specialize in cooking with fresh veggies and creating weeknight meals. Sign up HERE to get more produce-forward dinner ideas for FREE! If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought! Happy Cooking! ~Katie
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Dill Sauce for Salmon
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1 1/4 cup 1x
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
- 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
- Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
- 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
Delicious!! Will do over and over again
This dip is delicious! Can’t wait to make it for many dishes. It was excellent on the salmon!
Thanks, Brit. I am psyched that you tried this sauce recipe and you liked it! Thank you so much.
Fantastic sauce! Really takes the salmon over the top. Definitely a keeper!
They are a wonderful match. Thank you so much, Jill!
The flavors are spot on and it went great with our roasted salmon. We added a bit to our salad to as a dressing. Superb!
That sounds so tasty. Thank you for trying my recipe, Jamie!
Wonderful! Love the fresh and cool flavors of this sauce with salmon. I also like to put it on roasted potatoes on the side!
Yum! That sounds like a delicious pairing, Kim.
This light, creamy and flavorful dill sauce sounds marvelous.
Thank you so much, Andrea! Let me know if you try it.
Katie, this just what I need as I eat a lot of salmon and needed something to “jazz it up!” Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome, Charles!