Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon Recipe

Learn how to prepare a rich dill sauce for salmon and various seafood dishes. This recipe is uncomplicated, requires minimal ingredients, and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

I firmly believe that a good sauce can enhance nearly any dish. Over the past week, we’ve been savoring this delightful creamy dill sauce, and it has become a favorite. Originally created to accompany our salmon patties, this versatile sauce pairs well with various recipes beyond just one (such as lemon dill baked salmon or oven-baked trout).

The ingredient list is concise and straightforward, with the key to perfection being allowing the mixture of lemon, dill, and garlic to harmonize and infuse the creamy sauce for 30 minutes.

Essential Ingredients

• Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: The foundation of this sauce is sour cream, with a touch of mayonnaise for added flavor. This combination is also used in our potato salad dressing, which we adore. If you prefer a yogurt-based alternative, you can substitute the sour cream with plain thick yogurt. Opt for a less tangy brand like Fage or Siggi’s.
• Dill: As the name suggests, dill is the star here. While we recommend fresh dill in the recipe below, dried dill can be used if fresh is unavailable. When using dried dill instead of fresh, use one-third of the quantity specified. For example, in the recipe below, you would use 1 tablespoon of dried dill instead of the 3 tablespoons of fresh dill.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon is ideal for this sauce. We utilize both zest and juice to intensify the lemony flavor. I recommend using a microplane grater for zesting citrus and always zest the lemon before juicing it.
• Garlic Powder: A secret ingredient in our homemade ranch dressing, garlic powder adds a wonderful touch to this sauce as well.
• Salt and Pepper: While we provide approximate amounts of salt and pepper to add, it’s crucial to taste as you go and adjust to suit your palate. If the sauce lacks vibrancy when tasted, a pinch more salt may be needed.

Discover the complete recipe with measurements below.

Preparing Our Favorite Dill Sauce for Salmon

Tip 1: Use a spoon to combine all ingredients. This sauce is a breeze to make! Simply add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well.

Tip 2: Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. The flavors in this sauce develop over time. We highly recommend refrigerating the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste it before refrigeration and after resting—there will be a noticeable difference, with the lemon and dill infusing the entire mixture. It’s well worth the wait!

Serving Suggestions

Think of this sauce as a versatile option similar to tartar sauce. It complements a variety of seafood dishes, particularly salmon recipes, but its versatility extends beyond just salmon. Here are some top recipes to enjoy with this sauce: