Creamy Dill Sauce for Fish, Salmon, and Vegetables

This creamy dill sauce is ideal for everything from salmon to cucumber sandwiches. Made with a handful of simple ingredients, it delivers a bright, savory, and tangy flavor you can prepare in minutes.

closeup of dill sauce in a glass container with a wooden handle on a white marble counter.

Why You’ll Love this Homemade Dill Sauce

This quick, easy dill sauce is delicious. Fresh dill and lemon brighten the creamy base with a lightly floral, citrusy note, and a touch of garlic adds depth. The result is an incredibly flavorful spread that complements a wide range of dishes.

With just five ingredients, this sauce comes together in under five minutes. It’s a great last-minute appetizer: chop vegetables, mix the sauce, and you’re ready to serve.

Use it as a creamy topping for salmon, a dip for vegetables or chips, a salad dressing, or a spread for sandwiches. Once you make it, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it.

labeled ingredients for dill sauce on a white marble counter.

What You’ll Need

Fresh dill – fresh dill is preferred for the brightest flavor; dried dill can be used in a pinch.
Lemon juice – fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice works too.
Garlic powder – for a stronger garlic flavor, grate a small fresh clove instead.
Mayonnaise – provides creaminess and tang.
Cream cheese – softened cream cheese blends smoothly; be sure it isn’t cold and firm when you start.

Recommended Equipment

Knife, cutting board, and a small mixing bowl are all you need.

How to Make Dill Sauce

mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic powder, lemon juice, and fresh dill in a white ramekin.

Step One – Add chopped dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese to a small bowl.

Finished creamy dill sauce in a white ramekin.

Step Two – Whisk until smooth, taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve.

Variations & Substitutions

For a tangier dip, fold in sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Substitute 1 teaspoon dried dill for each tablespoon of fresh dill.
Add a teaspoon of prepared horseradish for some heat.
Turn it into a tzatziki-style sauce by adding very thinly sliced cucumber and fresh grated garlic, and using yogurt if you prefer.

How to Store Lemon Dill Sauce

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce is best chilled.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended; mayonnaise and cream cheese can separate or change texture after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you freeze dill?

Yes. Frozen dill keeps well for about 3–4 months. Freeze whole fronds flat in a freezer bag or freeze chopped dill in an ice cube tray with a little water or oil to preserve flavor.

How many calories are in dill sauce?

This recipe contains approximately 100 calories per 2-tablespoon serving.

Is this dill sauce the same as tzatziki?

Not exactly. Tzatziki is yogurt-based and typically includes grated cucumber and fresh garlic. This recipe uses cream cheese and mayonnaise with garlic powder and no cucumber, giving it a creamier texture and different flavor profile.

How to Serve

This versatile sauce pairs well with many dishes. Try it as:

A sauce for gyros or grilled chicken.
A drizzle over baked salmon or a dip for shrimp.
A topping for roasted vegetables or a simple side salad.
An addition to a crudités platter with carrots, celery, peppers, and radishes.
A spread for sandwiches, wraps, or a baguette and crackers.

Expert Tips

Always use softened cream cheese for an easy, lump-free mix. To speed-soften, place the sealed cream cheese in a bowl of warm water for 10–15 minutes.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little extra lemon juice or a teaspoon of water until you reach the desired consistency.
If it’s too thin, add more cream cheese or a spoonful of mayonnaise to thicken it.

Other Sauces and Dressings You’ll Enjoy

Try other bright sauces like a lemon herb vinaigrette, a jalapeño-lime vinaigrette, or a chipotle southwest sauce for different flavor profiles.

📖 Recipe

Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe

This creamy dill sauce is perfect for everything from salmon to cucumber sandwiches. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a savory, fresh, tangy condiment you can whip up at a moment’s notice.

Course: Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 8 (2-tablespoon servings)

Calories: 100 kcal per serving

Ingredients

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, lightly packed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, grated)

Instructions

Ensure the cream cheese is softened before starting.
Measure and add all ingredients to a bowl.
Stir or whisk until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then chill or serve immediately.

Notes

General

If you don’t have fresh dill, use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for each tablespoon of fresh dill.
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add more cream cheese or mayonnaise.
Keep the sauce chilled until serving for best flavor and texture.

Storage

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to texture changes after thawing.

Nutrition (per 2-tablespoon serving)