Yogurt, Cucumber, and Dill Sauce for Crazy-Good Salmon
Sneak Preview: Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, and Dill Sauce is a simple no-cook sauce that goes perfectly with fish. With just a few ingredients—mayo, Greek yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic dill—you can whip up a delightful condiment that will take your salmon to a whole new level.

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This simple yogurt, cucumber, and sauce is a relative of Greek tzatziki sauce, minus the clove garlic. It’s especially good with salmon. However, we’ve never called it that, probably because we weren’t sure how to say or spell the word.
I adapted this recipe from a rather old cookbook, Best Recipes From the Backs of Boxes, Bottles, Cans, and Jars (paid link), by Ceil Dyer. I used to serve it with a canned salmon loaf. Since I rarely use canned salmon anymore, this cucumber sauce has become one of my favorite accompaniments for grilled salmon–when I’m not eating Salmon Almondine.
I highly recommend visiting Once Upon a Chef.com for her fresh salmon patties. This Greek yogurt sauce is the perfect condiment.
Happy Cooks Speak Up
“So simple and delicious – love this kind of preparation.”–KELLY
Ingredients and Substitutions
- MAYONNAISE:
- Olive oil mayonnaise (preferred)
- Substitute low-fat or reduced-fat
- GREEK YOGURT:
- Homemade Greek yogurt (preferred)
- Substitute sour cream, cream fraiche, or strain regular yogurt
- CUCUMBERS:
- No substitutes
- ONION:
- Powdered onion (preferred–easy)
- For stronger onion flavor, grate fresh onion
- DILL:
- Fresh dill (preferred)
- Dried dill (use half the amount of fresh dill)
- Fresh dill sprigs (for garnish)

FAQ’s
Can I make this ahead?
No. The cucumbers tend to get watery and will thin the sauce. On the other hand, if you can press and drain the water out of the cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel, this mixture will stay fresh longer.
Can I freeze this sauce?
No. Freezing will change the texture. When thawed, the sauce tends to curdle.
Can I use this sauce with anything else?
Dill is a rather assertive herb and perfect for the personality of salmon or any stronger-flavored fish. We also like it with breaded chicken.
Parting thoughts: As I’ve shared before, we are the condiment family. Everything tastes better with a condiment. This sauce is a must for salmon. I hope you enjoy it.
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.