Creamy Lemon and Dill Sour Cream Sauce for Salmon

Name: Creamy Lemon and Dill Sour Cream Sauce for Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup or sour cream or creme fraiche; 2 tablespoons fresh dill; Zest of 1 lemon (about 2 teaspoons); 1 clove garlic, grated (about 1/2 teaspoon); 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Jump to Recipe·5 from 2 reviews

Almost everything is improved by a creamy, dilly sauce. This Creamy Lemon and Dill Sour Cream Sauce for Salmon elevates a simple salmon dish from ho-hum to truly memorable.

small bowl of lemon dill sauce for salmon.

This sauce is also an all star because it's so quick. Total time from no sauce and sad salmon to delicious sauce and the best salmon on your dinner table is about 3 minutes of work and 15 minutes of rest.

Keep this easy recipe in your back pocket for your next meal prep Sunday!

Sauce ingredients for this recipe:

ingredients for creamy dill sauce on a table

Before we get to making the sauce, a few notes about the ingredients:

Sour cream: full fat sour cream is your best bet, but you can substitute light sour cream or even Greek yogurt, if you prefer.

Lemon zest: if you don't have fresh lemon to get the zest, substitute 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar, if needed.

Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.

Step by step instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients

This is a complicated one, folks. Get out your pen and take some notes! Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Mix thoroughly.

Set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with additional fresh dill and serve.

2. Perfect with all your favorite dishes

Serve with any easy salmon recipe like smoked salmon and potato latkes, fresh grilled salmon fillets, or over salmon salad.

Creamy Dill sauce served with potato latke

Looking for more delicious sauces for seafood?

FAQ's and Serving Suggestions:

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

You sure can! That will add an extra tang, so cut back on the lemon zest until you taste it and can adjust the seasoning.

Can I use dried dill weed instead of fresh dill in the salmon dill sauce?

Start with a half teaspoon dill weed. Mix and then taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Dry dill is more potent than fresh, so start with about ¼ of the fresh dill ratio and add from there.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of sour cream?

You can - mayonnaise will take the recipe in a more tartar-sauce direction, similar to my salmon patty sauce recipe. Both are delicious! Use half cup mayonnaise - same ratio as the sour cream.

What can I serve with this creamy dill sauce recipe?

There are so many delicious ways to use this dill sauce - from easy dinners to simple salads to fancy date night dining.
Almost any simple salmon recipe using seared fresh salmon can be served up with lemon slices and a dish of this creamy sauce, and it is transformed into a classy lemon dill salmon with minimal time and effort. Just place salmon skin side down on the serving tray and drizzle this delicious sauce over the top of the salmon.
Even baked salmon can benefit from the creamy, complex flavors of the simple ingredients in this sauce. Busy weeknights deserve a healthy dinner, too! A simple tray of baked salmon topped with lemon dill sauce and served with seasoned green beans and a lemon wedge can be just the ticket to a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
If healthy eating is the name of your game, a simple side salad lunch topped with leftover salmon patties taste like a whole new dish with this lemon dill sauce as dressing. (If you're looking for a thinner dressing, dilute the sauce with a teaspoon of cold water or heavy cream). PS I have a great recipe for classic salmon patties if you're in the market for a delicious meal for fish Fridays!
Finally, I love this sauce with smoked salmon, particularly on a mashed potato latke. It's a family favorite appetizer in my house!

Can I use any other fresh herbs for the sauce?

Fresh chives or Italian flat-leaf parsley would be tasty and complementary to almost any salmon dish. Basil would also add a delicious fresh flair to this sauce, as would tarragon.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon zest in the creamy lemon and dill sour cream sauce for salmon?

You sure can. Lemon zest adds lemon flavor, but less acidity than lemon juice. So if using juice, start with a teaspoon lemon juice, then taste and adjust from there. If you're out of lemons altogether, you could add ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning to get some of that citrus flavor in the sauce.

How to store leftover dill sauce?

Store the sauce in bowl tightly wrapped with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. It is not recommended that this sauce be frozen.