Go Back
Fresh Lemon Dill Sauce for Salmon

Lemon Butter Sauce A classic, rich, and tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with salmon.

Lemon butter sauce is a simple yet elegant sauce made with butter, fresh lemon juice, and garlic. It enhances the natural flavor of salmon with a smooth, creamy texture and a bright, citrusy kick.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine French-Inspired
Servings 1 About ½ cup

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Knife & cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
  • Simmer for 2–3 minutes, whisking occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley if using.
  • Serve warm over salmon.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About ½ cup
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-free, Keto, Low-carb
  • Keywords
  • Lemon butter sauce, salmon sauce, easy salmon sauce, garlic butter sauce
  • Nutrition (Per Serving - 2 tbsp)
  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 102
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0.2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Notes
  • Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the butter from separating.
  • Honey Mustard Sauce
  • A sweet and tangy sauce that complements salmon’s richness.
  • Summary
  • This honey mustard sauce is a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, using honey and Dijon mustard as the primary ingredients.
  • Equipment
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Instructions
  • In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, and olive oil.
  • Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About ½ cup
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-free
  • Keywords
  • Honey mustard sauce, salmon sauce, sweet and tangy sauce
  • Nutrition (Per Serving - 2 tbsp)
  • Calories: 75
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Notes
  • Store in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Can be used as a marinade as well.
  • Creamy Dill Sauce
  • A cool, creamy, and herby sauce that perfectly balances the richness of salmon.
  • Summary
  • This yogurt-based sauce with fresh dill is refreshing and flavorful, adding a creamy contrast to baked or grilled salmon.
  • Equipment
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Ingredients
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Instructions
  • In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix well until smooth and combined.
  • Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for better flavor.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About ½ cup
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten-free, Low-carb
  • Keywords
  • Creamy dill sauce, salmon sauce, yogurt sauce
  • Nutrition (Per Serving - 2 tbsp)
  • Calories: 35
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Notes

Best used fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can also be used as a dip for vegetables.
Other Sauce Ideas for Salmon
Here are a few more sauce options:
Teriyaki Sauce – Sweet and savory, great for grilled salmon.
Garlic Soy Butter Sauce – Asian-inspired umami-rich sauce.
Mango Salsa – Fresh and fruity with a spicy kick.
Keyword Lemon butter sauce, salmon sauce, easy salmon sauce, garlic butter sauce