Preview: Cucumber Yogurt Sauce for Salmon is a simple no-cook sauce to serve with fresh salmon, salmon loaf, or salmon patties.
This simple cucumber sauce is most likely a close relative of Greek tzatziki sauce, but we’ve never called it that. Probably because we weren’t sure how to say or spell the word.

This recipe for Cucumber Yogurt Sauce for Salmon was adapted from a rather old book, Best Recipes From the Backs of Boxes, Bottles, Cans, and Jars by Ceil Dyer. I used to serve it with a salmon loaf made from canned salmon, but since I rarely use canned salmon anymore, it has become one of my favorite accompaniments for grilled salmon.
High recommendations to Once Upon a Chef for her fresh salmon patties. This Greek yogurt sauce is the perfect condiment.

Ingredients and substitutions:
- MAYONNAISE: Olive oil mayonnaise is my favorite, but any kind will work. Low-fat or reduced-fat are also suitable.
- GREEK YOGURT: I’ve been making this condiment/sauce for years with sour cream. But now that I have homemade Greek yogurt in my fridge at all times, I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Tastes even better. Another option would be Crème Fraîche,
If you have only regular yogurt on hand, try straining it with a coffee filter inside a small strainer. The longer you let it strain, the thicker it will be. - CUCUMBERS: No substitutes that I can think of. Guess you could leave them out, but then it wouldn’t be cucumber sauce.
- POWDERED ONION: If you don’t mind a strong onion flavor, try grating a small amount of onion.
- DILL: If substituting dried dill for fresh, only use half as much.
I’ve been making this condiment/sauce for years with sour cream. But now that I have homemade Greek yogurt in my fridge at all times, I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Tastes even better. Another option would be Crème Fraîche,
FAQ:
No. The cucumbers tend to get watery and will thin the sauce.
No. Freezing will change the texture. When thawed the sauce tends to curdle.
Dill is a rather assertive herb perfect for the personality of salmon or any stronger-flavored fish.
More Seafood Recipes:
- Crunchy Coleslaw
- Grilled Salmon with Fresh Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Relish
- Really Crunchy Fried Shrimp
If you enjoyed this recipe, please give it a five-star 🤩 rating inside the recipe card below. No comment required. Thank you.
Hope to see you again soon!
Paula
p.s. Questions? Email me: paula at saladinajar.com.
A Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe for Salmon

This is a mild sauce to serve with fish containing yogurt, cucumbers, and dill.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped, peeled cucumbers
- 1/4 teaspoon powdered onion
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with a pinch of dill.
- Chill.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 44Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 32mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
25 Ideas for Yogurt Sauces for Fish - Best Recipes Ideas and Collections
Monday 1st of February 2021
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Diane
Sunday 17th of January 2016
Great recipe have made it several times great on wraps
Lori
Wednesday 23rd of January 2013
what are the calories for this yogurt cucumber dip?
Paula
Thursday 24th of January 2013
Hi Lori, If you get 4 servings per recipe, it's about 90 calories per serving, although that can vary depending on the brand of mayonnaise and yogurt you use. I also noticed the recipe was not quite right (all ingredients listed twice) as the result of a recent site-wide recipe conversion process. Glad you indirectly brought my attention to it.
Kelly
Sunday 21st of August 2011
So simple and delicious - love this kind of preparation.
Rebecca
Thursday 18th of August 2011
I'm making my menu for next week and I'm planning salmon patties - I think this sauce will breathe some new life into my recipe! Thanks Paula