This lemon dill sauce is wonderful on nearly everything. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, the bright lemon and fresh dill create a flavorful partnership that elevates fish, fries, sandwiches, and more.
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Sauce Perfection
I’m a little obsessed with sauces — sometimes a dish feels like a vehicle for the sauce itself. A while back we tried a Hello Fresh meal that included a sauce described as tartar, but it was really a mayo-based mix with fresh dill and a bit of cucumber. It was tasty and made me want to test and improve the idea at home.
When we served tempura fish, I wanted something fresher and brighter to pair with it, so I developed this lemon dill sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and herb-forward — great with fried or baked fish, delicious as a dip for fries, or even enjoyable by the spoonful. Best of all, there’s no cooking involved.
Lemon Dill Sauce
I first made this sauce for tempura fish, then paired it with lemon-dill panko-crusted salmon — it was fantastic. While it’s most often used with fish in my kitchen, it’s versatile enough to appear alongside many other dishes. It takes less than five minutes and uses only a handful of ingredients.
Pro Tips
Zest
Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy lift that lemon juice alone can’t provide. A microplane grater works best for fine, fragrant zest.
Lemon Juice
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice will always taste fresher than bottled. Since you’ll also use the zest, a fresh lemon is worth the few extra cents.
Garlic
This recipe uses about 1 1/2 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic for convenience. If you prefer fresh garlic, reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Double the recipe
If you and your guests love a generous amount of sauce, consider doubling the recipe. It’s quick to make and stores well in the refrigerator for several days.
You’ll find this sauce becomes a regular in your rotation — simple, fresh, and reliable. Try it and see what else you like to pair it with.
Do you have a favorite sauce you always come back to? Share it in the comments!
Print Recipe
Lemon Dill Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup gluten free mayo
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced dill
- salt to taste
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients and mix until smooth and well blended.
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Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store covered in the refrigerator for several days.