Looking for a zesty, creamy addition to your meals? This Lemon and Dill Sauce is the perfect combination of tangy and fresh, making it an irresistible dip or topping for any dish!
You can try to convince me ALL YOU WANT but I stand FIRM in my statement that sauce, OF ANY KIND, just makes ANYTHING better! You feel me?!
Ok, good. I’ll stop yelling at you now.
But for real, though. Lol. I ain’t ever met a creamy dipping sauce that I didn’t like! If the option for dipping is there, I’m taking it. I’m dipping my pizza in a dipping sauce (no brainer). I’m dipping my french fries in a dipping sauce (of course). And I’m obviously dipping my chicken wings in a creamy dipping sauce of some sort. In my 34 years of living, creamy dipping sauces probably make up half of the blood in my veins at this point.
And this lemon and dill sauce? Oh, it’s on a whole different level! It’s creamy, zesty, and packed with fresh herby goodness, making it the kind of sauce that instantly upgrades whatever it touches. Drizzle it over grilled salmon, slather it on a juicy burger, or dunk your crispy fries right into it—there really are no wrong answers here.
Trust me, once you whip up a batch, you’ll be looking for any excuse to use it. Roasted veggies? Yep. Sandwiches and wraps? Absolutely. Even just a spoon straight from the jar? Hey, I’m not here to judge!
Basically, if there’s food on your plate, this lemon and dill sauce deserves a spot right next to it. Just sayin’.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE LEMON DILL SAUCE
This lemon and dill sauce uses a simple blend of fresh ingredients to create a creamy, tangy, and vibrant sauce that complements a variety of tasty dishes. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading, each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavour. Let’s discuss the exact ingredients you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:
- Greek Yogurt: The creamy base of this sauce, Greek yogurt adds a smooth texture while offering a slightly tangy flavour. It’s lighter than sour cream but just as rich, making it the perfect canvas for the other ingredients. However, feel free to use sour cream instead if you prefer.
- Mayonnaise: A touch of mayo adds extra creaminess and depth to the sauce, helping to balance the tangy yogurt and bring a velvety smooth finish. Feeling adventurous? It only takes a minute to make your own mayonnaise from scratch!
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The star ingredient, fresh lemon juice brings a bright, zesty acidity that lifts the entire sauce. It provides the perfect tangy contrast to the creamy base and ties all the flavours together. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice (that you squeeze yourself!) for the best results.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra punch of citrus. It’s a concentrated burst of flavour that enhances the fresh lemon juice and gives the sauce a fragrant, aromatic quality.
- Fresh Dill: Dill is what gives this sauce its signature herby taste. Its bright, slightly grassy flavour pairs beautifully with lemon, creating a fresh, summery vibe. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute with dried dill. Use about 2 teaspoons of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh. Just be sure to let the sauce sit for a while to allow the dried herbs to fully rehydrate and infuse their flavour.
- Garlic: A subtle addition of garlic offers a hint of savory warmth that rounds out the flavours and balances the freshness of the lemon and dill. I used fresh minced garlic for this lemon dill sauce. However, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use 1/4 of a teaspoon instead of the 1 fresh clove.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a mild heat and a touch of sharpness, making the sauce more complex. It also helps emulsify the sauce, making it creamier and more cohesive.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These pantry staples are essential for bringing out the flavours in the sauce. Salt enhances the brightness of the lemon and dill, while black pepper adds a gentle warmth.
- Olive Oil: Optional, but adding a bit of olive oil helps to create a silkier texture and gives the sauce a more luxurious mouthfeel. It also helps the sauce come together and makes it even more versatile. As always, good quality and extra virgin olive oil works best in this recipe.
HOW TO MAKE LEMON DILL SAUCE (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this quick and easy lemon and dill sauce in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavour. Fresh lemon juice, zest, and dill will give this sauce a bright, vibrant taste. If using dried dill or garlic powder, let the sauce sit longer to help the flavours meld.
- Adjust the thickness to your liking. If you want a thinner sauce for drizzling, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil. For a thicker dip, use more Greek yogurt or mayo.
- Let it rest before serving. For the best flavour, let the sauce sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to a few hours) in the fridge. This allows the flavours to meld together for a more cohesive taste.
- Taste and adjust. Before serving, give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning. Add more lemon juice for tang, more dill for freshness, or a pinch of salt if it needs a flavour boost.
- Store it properly. Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using, as some separation may occur.
- Make it your own! Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne. Need extra zing? A splash of white wine vinegar works wonders. Love garlic? Go for two cloves instead of one. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this lemon dill sauce and make it your own!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
‘This lemon and dill sauce is the ultimate multitasker—it pairs beautifully with just about anything! Drizzle it over salmon, broiled cod, or crispy air-fried shrimp for an instant flavour boost. It’s a game-changer on roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, zucchini, and broccoli. Use it as a creamy dressing for salads and grain bowls, or slather it onto sandwiches and wraps for extra zing. It’s also a next-level dip for crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, and even chicken wings. Honestly, if it’s edible, there’s a good chance this sauce will make it taste even better!
To keep your lemon and dill sauce fresh and flavourful, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavours will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day! If it thickens in the fridge, just give it a good stir or add a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.
Freezing lemon and dill sauce isn’t the best idea since the creamy base can separate and become grainy once thawed. The fresh dill and lemon juice may also lose their vibrant flavour. I personally don’t recommend freezing it, however, if you want to try, pour it into an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month, then whisk it well after thawing. But for the best taste and texture, it’s best to make a fresh batch—it comes together in just minutes!
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LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
LEMON AND DILL SAUCE
Ingredients
- ½ cup Greek Yogurt (or sour cream for a richer version)
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1.5 tsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill finely chopped
- 1 Clove Garlic finely minced or grated
- ½ tsp Dijon Mustard
- ½ tsp Salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 1-2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil optional, for silkiness
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon zest, fresh dill, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle in olive oil for extra creaminess (optional but recommended).
- Taste and adjust seasoning—want it tangier? More lemon. Want it herby? Extra dill. Let it chill for at least 15 minutes to let the flavours meld (if you can wait that long).
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Nutrition
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