Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 35 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Sep. 14, 2023
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Ingredients

  • 1 salmon fillet (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion salt
  • 1 small onion, sliced and separated into rings
  • 6 lemon slices
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • DILL SAUCE:
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • 3/4 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with heavy-duty foil; grease lightly. Place salmon skin side down on foil. Sprinkle with lemon pepper and onion salt. Top with onion and lemon. Dot with butter. Fold foil around salmon; seal tightly,
  2. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Open foil carefully, allowing steam to escape. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 3-5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients until smooth. Serve with salmon.
Dill Sauce for Salmon Tips

Can you use fresh dill to make dill sauce for salmon?

If you've just started cooking with fresh herbs, one great rule of thumb to remember is the ratio of dried to fresh is 1:3. This recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed, so if you'd like to use fresh instead, add 2-1/4 teaspoons fresh snipped dill.

What else can you serve with dill sauce?

Consider using this dill sauce with other salmon recipes. It also complements chicken, pork, turkey and grilled seafood recipes. It's thick enough to use as a dip for fresh veggies and crackers, or used as a dressing for pasta salads.

What other condiments pair well with salmon?

Salmon pairs well with dill sauce (like in this recipe), as well as with sauces involving fresh herbs, lemon, honey, garlic, soy sauce, mustard and Cajun flavors. Check out more of our best salmon dinner recipes.

How can you tell when the salmon is finished cooking?

You can tell salmon is finished cooking when it flakes easily with a fork and its flesh is opaque. We share more tips in our guide to how to cook salmon.

Can you make dill sauce for salmon ahead of time?

Make-ahead meals or dinners that have some make-ahead steps are so convenient for busy weeknights. You can make this dill sauce for salmon the night before and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. The extra time in the fridge will help blend the flavors, too.

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

4 ounces cooked salmon with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 418 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.