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

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completed quick creamy lemon and Dill sauce

Who doesn't love a creamy herb sauce? No one. That's who. Almost everything is improved by a creamy, dilly sauce to elevate a simple salmon dish from ho-hum to truly memorable. This creamy lemon and dill sour cream sauce for salmon is that kind of sauce. It's an all-star. Perfect for almost any preparation of fish, it creates a delicious salmon dish without overwhelming the delicate salmon flavor we all love.

But it's 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 plan Sunday.

Sauce ingredients for creamy lemon and dill sour cream:

Sour cream or crème fraiche
Fresh dill
Lemon zest
Fresh garlic clove
Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and black pepper

Step by step instructions to make this creamy sauce:

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.

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

sauces accompanied by potato latke and smoked salmon

Quick Creamy Lemon and Dill Sour Cream sauce on potatoes latkes

FAQ's about creamy lemon dill sauce for salmon:

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for this creamy sauce?

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 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.

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.