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:
Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon
-
PREP
-
TOTAL
This creamy lemon dill sauce pairs beautifully with fish, especially salmon. For best results, mix the sauce ingredients about 30 minutes before serving to allow the lemon and dill flavors to meld. I particularly enjoy this sauce with our salmon patties, poached salmon, and lemon dill baked salmon.
Makes 1 cup
You Will Need
¾ cup sour cream (170g)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (30g)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (12g)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1In a medium bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients, stir well, then taste. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (it gets much better after 30 minutes). Taste, adjust with more salt and pepper, then serve.
Adam and Joanne’s Tips
- Storing: Homemade dill sauce lasts for about a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The fresh lemon and dill start to fade after that, so we recommend enjoying it within the week. Our family loves it, so we often make a double batch to have it on hand!
- Substituting yogurt: You can use plain thick yogurt as a substitute for the sour cream. When using yogurt for this sauce, I prefer a less tangy option like Siggi’s. Taste the sauce before serving to see if it needs a bit more salt.
- The nutrition facts provided are estimates.
Nutrition Per Serving
Serving Size
About 2 tablespoons
/
Calories
70
/
Total Fat
6.8g
/
Saturated Fat
2.6g
/
Cholesterol
14.2mg
/
Sodium
103.8mg
/
Carbohydrate
2g
/
Dietary Fiber
0.2g
/
Total Sugars
0.8g
/
Protein
0.8g
Previous Post: Honey Mustard Chicken
Next Post: Easy Salmon Patties