Warm Mustard and Dill Sauce for Salmon or Chicken

This warm Mustard Dill Sauce is rich, creamy and flavorful, made with Dijon mustard, dry white wine and fresh dill. It’s a perfect finishing sauce for baked or pan-seared salmon, roasted chicken breast, or even Swedish meatballs when you want something a little different from a classic cream sauce.

Quick to prepare and easy to make ahead, this sauce reheats well, making it ideal for weeknight meals and entertaining alike.

Baked salmon on a plate topped with Warm Mustard Dill Sauce.

Why this recipe works

  • The balance of Dijon mustard, cream and white wine creates a bright, silky sauce that isn’t overly heavy.
  • It comes together in minutes yet delivers layered, sophisticated flavors.
  • Versatile and elevating—use it to dress simple proteins and make an everyday meal feel special.

Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for Warm Mustard Dill Sauce.
  • Cream and Dijon mustard form the creamy base.
  • Dry white wine adds acidity to balance the richness, and a splash of water keeps the texture light.
  • Shallot and fresh dill provide aromatic depth and brightness.

How to make Warm Mustard Dill Sauce

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the white wine and simmer until reduced by half, roughly 2 minutes.
Cooked minced shallots in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.
Minced shallots and wine cooking in a gray saucepan.
  • Whisk in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream and water. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes—it should coat the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh dill and season to taste with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper.
Mustard sauce in a saucepan with a whisk.
Warm Mustard Dill Sauce in a gray saucepan with a whisk.

Expert tips

  • Watch the shallots closely so they soften without browning; reduce the heat if they start to color.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with a splash of water or additional cream and warm gently.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but expect a slightly thinner texture.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store this sauce if I make it in advance?

Cool the sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for about 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave before serving.

How can I vary this sauce?

Swap the dill for other fresh herbs like parsley, chives or tarragon for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with this sauce?

This sauce pairs exceptionally well with chicken and salmon, and also complements meatballs and roasted vegetables.

Warm Mustard Dill Sauce in a gravy boat next to a spoon and a sprig of dill.

Related recipes

Looking for more Scandinavian-inspired sauces and condiments? Try these complementary ideas:

  • 3 Ingredient Horseradish Yogurt Sauce
  • No Cook Lingonberry Sauce (Stirred Lingonberries)
  • Creamy Herbed Skyr Sauce
  • Easy Danish Remoulade Sauce

If you made this Warm Mustard Dill Sauce or any other recipe here, please leave a star rating and share how it turned out in the comments — I love hearing from you!

Recipe

Close up of baked salmon topped with Warm Mustard Dill Sauce and a sprig of dill.

Warm Mustard Dill Sauce

An easy, Scandinavian-inspired warm mustard dill sauce. Delicious with salmon, chicken or Swedish meatballs.
4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings (1½ cups sauce)
Calories: 174kcal
Author: Kristi

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 3 tablespoons minced shallots
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan until shimmering. Add the shallot and cook until soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add the white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
  3. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream and water. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh dill. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Notes

Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 3g
|
Protein: 2g
|
Fat: 16g

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Course: condiments, sauce
Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian