This creamy dill sauce for salmon combines full-fat Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, lemon, garlic, and Dijon into a thick, spoonable sauce. It takes five minutes and requires no cooking, making it a practical finishing sauce for a quick salmon dinner.
Why You'll Love This Dill Sauce for Salmon
- Thick, spoonable texture: Full-fat Greek yogurt and mayonnaise create a sauce that stays on the salmon instead of running off.
- Balanced rather than heavy: Lemon and Dijon cut through the creamy base, while mayonnaise softens their acidity.
- Fresh dill throughout: Finely chopped dill distributes evenly, giving every spoonful a clean herbal flavor.
- Flexible timing: Use the sauce immediately, rest it for 10 minutes, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes for a more blended flavor.
I first tried a similar dill sauce at a small seafood café, where its freshness stayed with me. That memory encouraged me to recreate a lighter version around thick Greek yogurt. I wanted something less sharp than my homemade tartar sauce and simpler than tzatziki sauce. Unlike my garlic butter sauce, this version needs no heat. It remains one of the quickest sauces I can prepare when dinner needs a fresh finish.
I like how lemon and Dijon sharpen the yogurt while mayonnaise softens their acidity. Fresh dill and grated garlic add savory depth without hiding the salmon. Whisking everything together creates a smooth, thick texture in minutes. It feels lighter than the creamy sauce in my Thai Coconut Salmon or Marry Me salmon. That balance lets the sauce complement rich fish without feeling heavy.
Key Ingredients in Creamy Dill Sauce
These ingredients create the thick texture and fresh, balanced flavor I want with salmon.
- Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: I use plain full-fat Greek yogurt for body, while a little mayonnaise gives the sauce a smoother richness.
- Fresh dill and garlic: Fresh dill gives me the clean herbal flavor I want, and I finely grate the garlic for even distribution.
- Lemon juice and Dijon mustard: I combine both for brightness and gentle tang, which prevents the creamy base from tasting flat.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: I keep the seasoning simple so the dill, garlic, and lemon remain noticeable.
How to Make Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon
The complete printable instructions and measurements are in the recipe card below.
1. Combine the ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, finely chopped fresh dill, and grated garlic to a small bowl.
2. Whisk until smooth and adjust: Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust with a little extra lemon juice, salt, or dill if needed.
Tips for Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon
- Add lemon gradually: Taste before adding more because the Greek yogurt and Dijon already contribute acidity.
- Chop the dill finely: Small pieces distribute more evenly and prevent large herb clusters in each spoonful.
- Adjust after whisking: Fully combining the yogurt, mayonnaise, and seasonings first gives a more accurate taste before final adjustments.
Storage
I store this creamy dill sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I give it a quick stir before using it again.
What to Serve with Creamy Dill Sauce
I spoon this sauce over baked lemon dill salmon or serve it beside oven-baked trout. It also makes a cool, creamy dip for crispy Parmesan potatoes.
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Recipe
Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon
Ingredients
- 240 g plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 30 g full-fat mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 6 g fresh dill - finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove - finely grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add 240 g plain full-fat Greek yogurt, 30 g full-fat mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper to a small bowl. Stir in 6 g fresh dill, finely chopped, and 1 small garlic clove, finely grated.
- Whisk until the creamy dill sauce is smooth, thick, and spoonable. Taste and adjust with a little additional lemon juice, kosher salt, or dill if needed, then serve immediately with salmon.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
I made this creamy dill sauce for salmon and it added such a fresh, balanced flavor without being too heavy. It comes together quickly and really brings everything together, I’ll definitely keep this one on repeat.