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Home » Recipes

Traditional Mustard Dill Sauce for Gravlax (Gravlaxsås)

Published: Jun 6, 2022 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

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What's even better than homemade Gravlax? Gravlax topped with a traditional mustard dill sauce (gravlaxsås in Swedish). This zesty vinaigrette-style sauce is a traditional pairing for cured salmon and adds a little zing to its smooth and silky flavor.

This sauce comes together in only a few minutes but brings BIG flavor to buttery cured salmon. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions for making gravlaxsås at home!

Gravlax on rye bread topped with mustard sauce, lemon and dill.

Why This Recipe Works

  • This sauce contains just the right amount of mustard making it the perfect zesty foil for cured salmon.
  • The recipe includes a little mayonnaise which lends creaminess and helps the sauce emulsify.
  • A shower of fresh dill brings an herby brightness to sauce.

Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for Mustard Dill Sauce for Gravlax.
  • Mustard is the star of the show in this recipe. I've called for easy to find Dijon mustard here, but feel free to use a Swedish brand of mustard should you have access to it.
  • White wine vinegar brings a welcome acidity to the sauce. Feel free substitute apple cider, champagne or white balsamic vinegar if that's what you have on hand.
  • Most recipes for gravlaxsås call for a neutral oil (such as canola, vegetable or sunflower). Although it's not traditional, I like extra-virgin olive oil here, but feel free to use a more neutral oil if you would prefer.
  • Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. Many recipes call for sugar, but honey and mustard are such a delicious combination it would be a shame not to take advantage of it!
  • Just a bit of prepared mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps the sauce emulsify.
  • Fresh dill rounds everything out with its quintessential Scandinavian flavor.

How to Make This Recipe

Whisk the mustard, vinegar, honey and mayonnaise together in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Add the chopped dill and season to taste with salt and pepper. That's all there is to it!

Mustard and vinegar in a glass bowl with a whisk.
Mustard Dill Sauce for Gravlax in a glass bowl with a whisk.

Expert Tips

  • When whisking in the oil, take the time to drizzle it into the bowl slowly as you constantly whisk the mixture with your other hand. This will help the sauce emulsify and will keep the sauce from breaking.
  • Salt and pepper to taste! Make sure to try the sauce after you've combined all of the ingredients to see if it needs salt and pepper. Mustard is a strong ingredient on its own so you may not need as much as you think.
  • If you prepare the sauce ahead and it separates in the refrigerator, simply re-whisk everything together and serve.
Mustard Dill Sauce for Gravlax in a white bowl next to a spoon and dill sprigs.

FAQs

Can I make this Mustard Dill Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, make the sauce up to two days ahead of when you plan to enjoy it. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Re-whisk briefly before serving.

How do I store this sauce?

Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Where else can I use this sauce besides on gravlax?

This sauce is nice with any kind of fish, but it is particularly good with rich, fatty fish like salmon (either cured or cooked). It would also be delicious with roast pork.

Related Recipes

Looking for more delicious Scandinavian sauce recipes? Give these a try:

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    No Cook Lingonberry Sauce (Stirred Lingonberries)
  • A bowl with herbed yogurt sauce next to fresh dill sprigs and a napkin.
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Close up of gravlax on rye bread topped with a lemon wedge and fresh dill.

Traditional Mustard Dill Sauce for Gravlax (Gravlaxsås)

A zesty traditional accompaniment to cured salmon (gravlax).
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: appetizers, sauces
Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 129kcal
Author: Kristi

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mayonnaise
  • 2-3 teaspoons honey
  • 7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or a neutral flavored oil like canola
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  • Whisk the vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise and honey together in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Whisk in chopped dill and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Notes

Mustard sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Give it a brief whisk to recombine just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your Mustard Dill Sauce for Gravlax (Gravlaxsås) and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.

More Nordic/Scandinavian Recipes

  • Overhead view of Spiced Pear Cake with Cardamom next to pears and cardamom pods.
    Spiced Pear Cake with Cardamom
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    Æbleskiver (Danish Pancakes)
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    Tomte Muffins (Swedish Apple Muffins)
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    Kale and Butternut Squash Salad

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Malcolm McLaren

    August 13, 2022 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    Thanks Kristi, awesome recipe and tips, so pleased with the sauce.

    Reply
    • Kristi

      August 15, 2022 at 1:35 pm

      Thanks for your feedback, Malcolm! So glad you enjoyed it.

      Kristi

      Reply
  2. Mimi

    January 01, 2023 at 10:35 am

    5 stars
    Fab sauce… I didn’t have white wine vinegar so used apple cider vinegar and it turned out yummy… looking forward to trying it with white wine when I buy it..

    Reply
    • Kristi

      January 05, 2023 at 9:34 am

      Hi Mimi,
      So glad you enjoyed it!
      Kristi

      Reply

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