Cucumber Yogurt Sauce for Salmon: Seasoned with Dill

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,

---

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead?

No. The cucumbers tend to get watery and will thin the sauce.

Can I freeze this sauce?

No. Freezing will change the texture. When thawed the sauce tends to curdle.

Is this sauce good with any fish besides salmon?

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

---